Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Chardonnay IGT 2022
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WA 95] [JS 95] [VM 92] [WS 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Isole e Olena produced their first Chardonnay in 1987 after grafting select French clones of Chardonnay onto varietals of white grapes already thriving at the estate.

An artisanal white, this wine stands out for its quality, longevity, and style; it can be considered the ideal Isole e Olena wine. Fermented in small barrels, of which 25-30% are new wood, the aging of this wine begins only after a long contact with the finest lees.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Advocate: 
"The Isole e Olena 2022 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is full of spirit and character thanks to a vein of spice and cinnamon that folds into nectarine and poached pear. I love the unabashed intensity of this warm vintage. The acidity is present, and the bouquet is singing strong. That medley of ripe fruit and oak spice pushes over the medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and gives the wine long persistence." – Monica Larner (Jul 2024)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Super-restrained citrus profile with notes of bitter lemon peel and yellow grapefruit, both enhanced by delicate toastiness. The attack is polished, with a medium body, lifted integrated acidity, a zesty grip at the end and a mellow, hedonistic yet always tense texture. How improved this wine is compared to the past. Drink or hold." (Jul 2024)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is an elegant, super-sleek wine. Hints of apricot, dried flowers, chamomile and hazelnut are framed by a discrete kiss of French oak. Medium in body and refined, the 2022 is quite impressive, especially for the year. This is the first time the Chardonnay was done with blocked malolactic fermentation, an approach that worked especially well in this very dry, warm year." - Antonio Galloni (Jul 2024)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Immediate scents of vanilla, toasty oak and butter or butterscotch lead off, while the flavors are more evocative of peach, pear and lemon oil. Elegant and balanced, with the oak remaining discreet as the fruit notes echo on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2028. 180 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Aug 2024)