2010 Isola e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is extraordinary. A wine of pedigree and class, the 2010 boasts magnificent intensity and depth yet never comes across as heavy. The flavors are layered, nuanced and beautifully delineated in the glass. Plum, black cherry, spice, menthol and sweet spices are laced into the exquisite finish. The 2010 is a stunner today, but also has plenty of upside for the future. A reduction of time in barrel vis-a-vis the 2006 has paid off handsomely. The 2010 is going to be expensive, but it is worth every penny. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot round out the blend.

This wine will be released in 2016. The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is mostly Sangiovese with smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. The inaugural 2006 vintage saw Cabernet Franc in the blend, but because Paolo De Marchi had a hard time reaching maturity for that grape, he removed it completely. He also admits to charging "Bordeaux" prices, so you can expect an elevated price tag. This is indeed a beautiful effort with an impeccable nose that is redolent of fine forest berry, red currant, spice, leather, tar and balsam herb. The nose is stunning now, but you can expect it to flesh out and improve with time. The mouthfeel is incredibly long and silky with super fine and elegant tannins. Oct 2015, www.robertparker.com