Isole e Olena Cepparello IGT Magnum 1.5L 2019

One of the icon wines of Tuscany, the Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is all Sangiovese crafted by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi (who finalized the sale of his beloved estate when this wine hit the market).

Indeed, this wine opens a discussion on the future of this celebrated IGT Toscana, a wine that followed a strict vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with fine aromas of black and purple fruit. It ferments in oak and ages in French barrique for 20 months, with one-third new oak.

The 2019 Cepparello has closed down quite a bit since I tasted it last year, as if all of its energy has focused inward. That won’t be an issue in a few years’ time, but for now readers should resist any temptation to open bottles. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous Sangiovese fruit, along with hints of blood orange, spice cedar, mint and tobacco, all wrapped together by plush, silky contours. The purity of the fruit is just striking. In 2019 Cepparello is more finesse than power. I expect t will age beautifully over the next several decades.