2016 Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cab

The Isole e Olena 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata opens nicely to show rich but balanced concentration and generous aromas of dark fruit, plum, exotic spice and fragrant cedar wood. I tasted the wine at two intervals in time, once when the bottle was first opened and a second time the following day from the same bottle. The wine opens generously, showing a fluid and steady evolution of aromas that starts with some tart fruit and forest floor, later to develop into the softer and sensuous flavors I have described above. The tannins are delicately woven into the greater fiber of the wine to offer support without any sharpness. The entire drinking experience is seamless and smooth. Production is 10,000 bottles and 240 magnums. 96 points

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is among the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in Italy. High altitude sites in Barberino yield a distinctly mid-weight, elegant, savory Cabernet that is all about reserve. Dark plum, espresso, licorice, menthol and sage start to emerge with a bit of air, but the 2016 is a wine that demands cellaring. Over the years, I have had the good fortune to taste every vintage of the Isole e Olena Cabernet. It is one of the great under the radar wines of Tuscany. The 2016 takes its place with the very finest editions. 98 points