Isole e Olena Cepparello Sangiovese 2020 Toscana IGT
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 98] [WS 96, #80 Top 100 of 2023] [WA 96] [JS 94] [DM 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
The flagship wine consists of 100% Sangiovese aged in French oak barrels. Over the years, Paolo has refined his Cepparello by giving it more air during vinification and increasing time spent in oak from 12-14 months to 18-20 months. Although De Marchi started focusing on the use of better quality oak around 1993, it is the increased age of the vineyards themselves that have given Cepparello its overall finesse. The wine is made from a top selection of the estate’s best fruits from the vineyards in Barberino Val d’Elsa in the northern part of Chianti Classico.

- 100% Sangiovese aged in French oak barrels
- The top selection of the estate's best fruits from their vineyards in Barberino Val d'Elsa, in the northern part of Chianti Classico
- A style that emphasizes finesse over power, especially with bottle age
- Aging potential: 20+ years

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year. 2027-2045." - Antonio Galloni (July 2024)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age. It registers a powerful 15% alcohol content. 2024-2045." - Monica Larner (May 2023)

96 Points, #80 Top 100 of 2023 - Wine Spectator:
"Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors. Sangiovese. Best from 2025 through 2045. 4,800 cases made, 800 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2023)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." (Apr 2023)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A long, hot summer with good day and nighttime temperature variations led to an even ripening. Balsamic and medicinal tones introduce a bright, chewy cherry palate with wood and spice notes. Earth and pomegranate touches emerge towards the finish, framed by ripe, grippy tannins and good acidity. Still very youthful, it will improve with age but seems to lack a little bit of the intensity seen in the 2019." James Button (Jan 2023)