2011 Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Half Bottle 375ml, Tuscany

Amber color. Complex and evolved, with notes of apricot jam, celery, dried figs, candied orange zest, nail polish and a hint of rancio. Zesty and lifted acidity balances the dense sweetness, with a full body and a long, super-savory finish of dried apricots. Not an easy wine, strictly for connoisseurs, yet very good. Drinkable now, but it will last for decades.

95 points jamessuckling.com

The Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is a soulful and traditional sweet wine from Tuscany, crafted by one of the region’s most respected estates. Founded in the 1950s and brought to international acclaim by Paolo De Marchi, Isole e Olena has always championed authenticity and a deep respect for terroir. Their Vin Santo is made in the centuries-old Tuscan method, with carefully selected Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes (sometimes with a touch of Sangiovese) dried slowly over winter before being pressed and aged for years in small oak or chestnut barrels known as caratelli.

In the glass, it is a deep amber-gold. The nose is rich and enticing, offering aromas of dried apricot, orange peel, honey, caramel, almond and a touch of spice. The palate is luscious yet balanced, with concentrated flavours of candied fruit, figs, toffee and roasted nuts carried by vibrant acidity. The long, lingering finish is both sweet and savoury, with complex layers that reveal themselves slowly, making every sip contemplative.

Food pairings lean into tradition: the classic match is Tuscan cantucci (almond biscuits) for dipping, but it also works beautifully with blue cheeses, foie gras, or desserts such as panna cotta, crème brûlée and nut-based pastries. It can even shine alongside savoury dishes like duck with orange glaze. With 20 years or more of cellaring potential, it evolves into an even deeper and more complex wine, with notes of coffee, cocoa and dried herbs.