My wife opened a bottle of 2000 Isole e Olena Cepparello last night to drink with snacks as we were meeting freinds a bit late for a light dinner at a local resaurant. The 2000 Isole e Olena Cepparello has been cellared since release and this was my last bottle. IIRC this is
100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard. Pale red in the glass with a bit of brick. A little barnyard and animal on the nose which blew off then ripe cherry and sea salt. Initially a lot of secondary flavors of cedar and leather but within a a few minutes a lot of red cherry almost Kirsch and tobacco. Not the most complex Italian wine I've had but a nice glass. "B"Later at a local restaurant that does a half price special on bottles of wine on Tuesdays I ordered a bottle of the 2007 Kamen Estates which was listed for $75 and I paid $37.50 which is a loss for the restaurant and also against the law in Ohio but not my problem I guess. The wine was inky black in the glass with a deep blackberry aroma. Cassis and blackberry on the palate with lots of espresso and black peppery notes. Smooth and plush with just the right acidity. I've known Robert Kamen for a number of years and his wines always amaze me.