2020 Chianti Classico Fattorie di Isole e Olena

One of Chianti Classico’s most illustrious properties, Isole e Olena was established in 1956. After more than 45 years at the helm, Paolo de Marchi sold the estate last year to luxury company EPI, which also acquired Biondi Santi in 2016. This 2020 takes some time to reveal its tempting fragrance. Wafting flint, cardamom and pepper make way for early spring blossoms and red berries. It has a graceful flow along with a sumptuousness and succulence of raspberry and red plum. Fine powdery tannins frame it. A juicy follow up to the excellent 2019.

Sødmefuld, kultiveret næse med velvalgt egepræg og afrundet, delikat hyldebærfrugt. Aromatisk duft med fornem balance og med flot detaljerigdom. Betydelig elegance og udmærket finesse. Ambitiøst sammensat duft. Kølig, saftig og velbygget mundfrugt med solbær og hyldebær og med fuldt integreret tannin og nydelig rankhed. Aromatisk rig og med et glat helhedspræg, der fremhæver den eminente balance.

The Isole e Olena 2020 Chianti Classico opens to a dark ruby color and medium concentration. The bouquet offers pretty fruit aromas with dried cherry and raspberry. Those bright primary tones segue to crushed stone and potting soil. This playful, entry-level wine ends with a bright spot of sweet cherry.

The 2020 Chianti Classico is such a classy wine. Deep and layered, yet wonderfully translucent, the 2020 is one of the best editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Macerated dark cherry, kirsch, cedar and pipe tobacco open first, but what I am most drawn to is the wine's textural resonance and sheer power. The 2020 possesses remarkable depth yet retains the transparency that is such a signature here. This is a fabulous showing.