The 2007 Cepparello (Sangiovese) makes a case for itself as one of the finest wines ever made at Isole e Olena. It is an open, sublime Cepparello endowed with tons of clarity and definition. The ripe red fruit floats on a core of refined, silky tannins that caress the palate with exceptional elegance and finesse. As the wine sits in the glass its inner perfume gradually emerges, leading to an eternal, beautifully crafted finish. The ripeness of the vintage is beautifully balanced by the acidity that is the trademark of Sangiovese grown in these hillside plots. Simply put, this is an utterly thrilling wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years. In many ways, the restraint, elegance and polish all suggest Cepparello is the Haut-Brion of Tuscany’s high-end, pure Sangioveses. The 2007 Cepparello was fermented in wood uprights and saw three weeks of contact on the skins. Malolactic fermentation took place in equal parts steel and French oak. The final blend was assembled and the wine was subsequently aged in French oak barrels (1/3 new) for 18 months. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.
96 points - The Wine Advocate (October 2010)
(100% sangiovese; aged for 18 months in barriques, one-third new and 5% American oak; 14.5 % alcohol) Deep red. Aromatic nose of ripe red cherry, menthol and underbrush, with an intriguing note of peach. Sweet, supple and dense, with ripe flavors of dark plum, almond, underbrush and tomato paste. Finishes long and smooth, with a strong coffee nuance. This reminded me a little of syrah!
93 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jul/Aug 10) | 
