Community Tasting Notes 37

• Neddy9 wrote:

  April 10, 2024 - This is a wine I want to like - I like the story and the presentation, so want it to be my 'go to' CC. I bought two bottles of this and like JULIANSI, I pulled one from the cellar the other night on a whim of something reliable and interesting to drink. However, like Velobici and Steve Brickley , I found a slightly off-putting note in the aroma that said NQR. Not corked, not 'brett', just a bit of a funk that clouded the expected pure sangiovese character. Otherwise the wine was pretty much as described by others and it did open up more on the 2nd day - nice weight in the mouth, some raspberry/cherry notes and expected tartness, modest tannins but in balance with the whole. I didn't find the 14.5% alc/vol to show in any detrimental over-ripe way. I have not rated this and have a neutral opinion, with one more bottle to try at a later date. Also 2 x 2016's which I'm holding out good hope for.

  Comment

• Juliansi Likes this wine: 91 points

  January 30, 2024 - What do I open on a cool rainy night at home, which does not require prep?
  
  This Chianti had such bright red notes, and that juicy acidity M+ was delicious. Loved the earth palate & med finish.
  
  I was just reading about my Vivino buddies, SKT and Italian Vino sifu Kaki Vino, and their experience having a 2018 Istine CC recently, and I guess that prodded me in this direction.
  
  A good but not great vintage with rains in spring and Aug, and "Sangiovese does not like rain!". 2018 Tuscans were saved by the drying winds of mid-Sept!
  
  De Marchi was the first winemaker in Chianti to use oak barrels when chestnut barrels had been the traditional vessels to age wine, for centuries.
  
  He also secretly produced the first Chianti made with red only grapes when this wasn’t permitted - Back then.. white grapes had to be included in the blend.
  
  It is he.. Paolo de Marchi, proprietor and winemaker of Isole Olena, who is often referred to as the dean of Chianti.
  
  Paolo has an overflowing passion for his terroir. His property is situated in the western part of Chianti Classico, just north of the village of Castellina.
  
  In fact, he purchased two adjoining hamlets, ‘Isole’ and ‘Olena’ which the De Marchi family combined to form one, hence the name ‘Isole e Olena’.
  
  82% Sangiovese 15% Canaiolo 3% Syrah/Shiraz Medium bodied, lovely perfume of red flowers and strawberries which keeps developing, and I appreciated the mineral undertones too. All this for USD 35, remarkable value.
  
  Home, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  30th Jan 2024

  2 people found this helpful Comment

• StewartWent wrote: 88 points

  December 8, 2023 - For me a riper and fruit forward style. A bit porty early but this blows off somewhat. Maybe not rich but close to. More generic red and lacks the savoury notes. Still a decent drink.

  Comment

• Velobici Likes this wine: 91 points

  August 6, 2023 - Confectionery cherry on the nose, Cassis, crushed stem, graphite, pencil. Starts out hot due to the alcohol. very long finish, dark red berry, cherry minimal wood, minimal Funk well structured tannin, medium plus acid.

  1 person found this helpful Comment

• ppandian Likes this wine: 89 points

  July 26, 2023 - Notes of cherries. Light and balanced.

Pro Reviews 6

Wine Definition

• Vintage 2018
• Type Red
• Producer Isole e Olena
• Varietal Sangiovese Blend
• Designation n/a
• Vineyard n/a
• Country Italy
• Region Tuscany
• SubRegion Chianti
• Appellation Chianti Classico DOCG
• UPC Codes 8032049117021, 8032049118011, 8032049118028

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 25 (2%)
• In Cellars 657 (51%)
• Consumed 616 (47%)

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