Isole e Olena Cepparello 2020

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year. Drink: 2027-2045. (Jul 2024)"

97 points Falstaff Guide: "Bright, intense ruby red with a slight purple hue. On the nose, beautiful savoury notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Wonderful juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, finely meshed tannins, very long, supple and juicy. (10/16/23)"

96 points & '#80 Top 100 Wines of 2023,' Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$150 list] Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors. Sangiovese. Best from 2025 through 2045. (10/31/23)"

96 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age. It registers a powerful 15% alcohol content. Drink: 2024-2045. (5/31/23)"

94 points James Suckling: "Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026. (5/9/23)"

93 points James Button (Decanter): "A long, hot summer with good day and nighttime temperature variations led to an even ripening. Balsamic and medicinal tones introduce a bright, chewy cherry palate with wood and spice notes. Earth and pomegranate touches emerge towards the finish, framed by ripe, grippy tannins and good acidity. Still very youthful, it will improve with age but seems to lack a little bit of the intensity seen in the 2019. Drinking Window: 2024-2052. (1/17/23)"