Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah IGT 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [TWI 98] [WA 95] [VM 95] [JS 95]

Notes from the Winemaker:
While Isole e Olena is recognized as a key player and responsible for the rebirth of Chianti Classico, it is also admired for its courageous experimentation with cultivars such as Syrah, which were grafted onto existing vines in 1984. This single-cultivar wine has phenomenal aging potential and will continue to evolve in the bottle.

It is initially fermented in stainless steel vats together with the stems; then it is aged in oak barrels for one year – 1/3 new oak, 1/3 two-year-old oak, and 1/3 three-year-old oak. Finally, it ages an additional two years in the bottle.

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - The Wine Independent:
"This 2019 Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah has a typically opaque, purple-ruby color. The aromas are intense, bright and transparent and pure with black olive, vivid blackcurrant, cassis, smoky bacon, sweet vanilla-cream, nutmeg and cinnamon spice. It is a classic style and a very classy Syrah. This 2019 Syrah is like a super-bright version of a Côte-Rôtie Syrah that has gone on holiday in sunny Tuscany. I love the liquid-velvet texture of this wine set against the black olive savory dryness of the flavors. This is a wonderful example of Syrah from Tuscany." – Susan Hulme (Jan 2026)

95 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The delightful 2019 Syrah Collezione Privata opens to dark fruit, spice, pepper, crushed stone, blue flower and milky blueberry. The wine handles its oak nicely (with 18 months in barrique, including French oak and a tiny percentage of American oak, and one-third new barrel). It delivers seamless integration, especially in this concentrated vintage, pitting freshness against fruit weight and primary intensity. Its texture is soft and creamy. But the high 15% alcohol is unfortunate. With 8,700 bottles produced, this is a very special Syrah with an Italian passport." – Monica Larner (Feb 2023)

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Syrah Collezione Privata is quite delicate and silky in this vintage, with a distinctly red-fruited profile that is unusual. Spice, orange peel, dried flowers and white pepper lend brightness to a Syrah that is both deep and light on its feet. I especially admire the vibrancy here." - Antonio Galloni (Jul 2022)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"A big, powerful syrah with a heady nose of violet essence, dried blueberries, sweet tobacco, mocha, vanilla, cracked pepper and grilled meat. Full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins and a chewy and fleshy palate. Delicious sweet-spice notes. Intense. Drink from 2023." (Jun 2022)