Cepparello is one of Italy's most iconic wines and a reflection of Paolo De Marchi's career. Today Cepparello, named after a small seasonal stream among the vineyards, is a selection of the estates best fruit. Soils primarily Galestro, vineyards orientated Southwest and are 400 meters above sea-level. Paolo believes that vintage is part of terrior and wines of origin reflect the vintage.

Paolo di Marchi’s leaving present to Tuscany is this delightful Cepparello. With the 2019 there is an added precision to the aromas, less heavy oak, and no greenness on the palate. It is concentrated with a rich velvety texture but without any heaviness and with a gentle unforced quality. The tannins are fine and very well integrated, in fact finer and better integrated than even the excellent 2016 vintage. It is of course very young now but it’s almost too delicious not to drink! Supremely graceful, it just gets better and better. Drink: 2023-2042; Rating: 100 Points; Susan Hulme MW, The Wine Independent

One of the icon wines of Tuscany, the Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is all Sangiovese crafted by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi (who finalized the sale of his beloved estate when this wine hit the market). Indeed, this wine opens a discussion on the future of this celebrated IGT Toscana, a wine that followed a strict vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with fine aromas of black and purple fruit. It ferments in oak and ages in French barrique for 20 months, with one-third new oak. Date: Feb 2023; Drink: 2024-2048; Rating: 97+ Points; Monica Larner; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

The 2019 Cepparello has closed down quite a bit since I tasted it last year, as if all of its energy has focused inward. That won’t be an issue in a few years’ time, but for now readers should resist any temptation to open bottles. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous Sangiovese fruit, along with hints of blood orange, spice cedar, mint and tobacco,  all wrapped together by plush, silky contours. The purity of  the fruit is just striking. In 2019 Cepparello is more finesse than power. I expect t will age beautifully over the next  several decades. Date: July 2022; Drink: 2027-2044; Rating; 96 Points; Antonio Galloni; Vinous

The weather in 2019 was beautiful, with a hot, even summer with no temperature spikes, continuing into September with high variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Fragrant potpourri and medicinal aromas are reminiscent of the 2006, while the textured palate features pure, ripe cherry with some damp earth and even an umami hint of mushroom, cut through by bright acidity. Lively and dimensional, it’s still in its youthful phase but should be superb once it’s had time to grow into itself. Date: Jan 2023; Drink: 2023 -2055; Rating: 95 Points; James Button; Decanter

So much licorice and fennel seed with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savory flavors. Pretty and fresh at the end, with subtle flavors. Drink now or hold. Date: Aug 2022; Rating: 94 Points; James Suckling