2007 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
The 2007 Chianti Classico is simply marvelous. A touch rounder and more generous than is typically the case, the Chianti Classico reveals intense aromatics that meld into a core of rich, expansive red fruit. The open-knit, giving quality of 2007 is on full display, while clean, mineral notes on the finish add a measure of clarity and balance. Despite the wine's ripeness, this remains one of the more understated, hushed Chiantis of the vintage. Readers who enjoy the Burgundian side of Sangiovese will flip out over this wine.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2007 Chianti Classico is simply marvelous. A touch rounder and more generous than is typically the case, the Chianti Classico reveals intense aromatics that meld into a core of rich, expansive red fruit. The open-knit, giving quality of 2007 is on full display, while clean, mineral notes on the finish add a measure of clarity and balance. Despite the wine’s ripeness, this remains one of the more understated, hushed Chiantis of the vintage. Readers who enjoy the Burgundian side of Sangiovese will flip out over this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Isole e Olena seems to fly under the radar, but insiders know better. Proprietor Paolo De Marchi crafts some of the most engaging wines in all of Tuscany, and Italy for that matter. Various American importers, including: Petit Pois, Merion, PA; tel. (856) 608-9644; Carolina Wine Company, Norwood, MA; tel. (781) 278-2000; Giuliana Imports, Boulder, CO; tel. (303) 449-5477; The Country Vintner, Louisa, VA; tel. (804) 784-2886; Grape Expectation Inc., Richmond, CA; tel. (510) 412-5969; Bommarito Wines, Saint Louis, MO; tel. (314) 961-8996; Connoisseur Wines, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 561-8705
80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 5% Syrah. Oenologist Paolo De Marchi. Medium-deep ruby with orange reflexes. Somewhat closed with herbal notes. Lively acidity pushes forth a sweet fruit palate. Seems a tad closed at this stage. (WS)
Cask sample. Oenologist Paolo De Marchi Lively, sweet fruit nose with cigar box notes and sweet fruit on the palate, good oak management, and powdery tannins. Very good length too. Added 5% Syrah comes as a surprise as the proprietor Paolo De Marchi is considered a true Sangiovese protagonist. No indication of alcohol content. (WS)
About the producer
Situated north of Castellina, on the western side of Chianti Classico, Isole e Olena was created by the De Marchi family in the 1950s and has since become one of the region’s leading names. It is renowned for its top bottling Cepparello, a pure Sangiovese, as well as its brilliant Chardonnay.