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Isole e Olena Cepparello 2004 6 BOTTLES AVAILABLE. The estate’s 2004 Cepparello (100% Sangiovese aged in French oak, 1/3 new) was made from minuscule yields of just 600 grams per plant and is even better than the 2003. It exhibits a livelier color, fresher aromatics and a nuanced personality, all the products of a more balanced growing season. It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it has been stunning on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. That said, readers who want to experience this wine’s full array of tertiary notes will have to give this wine time to mature in the bottle. It is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. 95 points Antonio Galloni The Wine Advocate # 171 Jun 2007 This came into store on Thursday so I thought I better do the honourable thing and drink a bottle. We matched it with some steak that had been coated in flour and cooked in balsamic vinegar. Very good match indeed. The key to this wine is balance. It was balanced from the first sip to the last pour. It did not open up closed or agressive but perfectly balanced. A sigh of a good Tuscan red I reckon. A major step up in intensity and complexity of the standard Isole Chianti Classico. Intense red berries, anice, rosemary, spice, earth, cherries and beautifully textured tannins. This is a multi layered and highly complex red that will age superbly over the next ten years. 94+ points Anthony D'Anna Isole e Olena is comprised of two farms, "Isole" and "Olena," purchased by the De Marchi family in the 1950s. The current manager, Paolo De Marchi (see photo), is the fourth generation of the De Marchi to make wine in Italy (the extended family also makes wine in Piedmonte). Paolo graduated from the University of Torino where he specialized in Oenology, and currently maintains relationships with the Oenology faculties of the Universities of Montpellier, Beaune, Torino, Geisenheim and UC Davis. He is among the most respected winemakers in the world. His early enthusiasm for "extra-Tuscan" grapes in Chianti has been tempered by his respect for the unique characteristics of Tuscany's indigenous Sangiovese. This is a demanding grape, difficult to ripen and requiring extraordinary work in the vineyards to insure high quality. Paolo still produces small amounts of wines from "international varieties," including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay, but his Chianti Classico and Cepparello (100% Sangiovese), are his own, best contribution to Tuscan culture.