Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2003 750ml

Cepparello is Paolo De Marchi's celebrated 100% Sangiovese from Isole e Olena in the heart of Chianti Classico, first released outside the Chianti rules because it was made from Sangiovese alone, and it remains one of Tuscany's benchmark expressions of the grape. 2003 was Europe's famous heat-wave vintage, and Wine Advocate praised how this wine kept "a surprising amount of freshness" despite the hot year. Aged in new oak, it shows very ripe cherry and plum fruit with sweet toasted oak, a round, supple palate and excellent balance. Now past 20 years, it has moved into a mature phase with savory, leathery nuances; drink now and over the next few years.