Vinous, Antonio Galloni: 96 Points
(7/2019) "The 2008 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is fabulous. Rich, deep and exotically beautiful, the 2008 has so much to offer. Ten years in small casks yielded a Vin Santo loaded with personality, complexity and character. Orange confit, burnt sugar, dried herbs, spice and caramel are some of the many notes that lift out of the glass. A touch of Petit Manseng (unusual in Vin Santo) helps brighten the acids. If I had to pick only one bottle to demonstrate what Vin Santo is all about, it might very well be Isole e Olena's 2008, as it is a real reference-point of both excellence and pedigree. Drinking window: 2020 - 2035."
Wine Spectator: 95 Points
(10/31/2019) "Thickly textured and bursting with honey, hazelnut torte, butter and nutty flavors, this is saturated and searing from vivid acidity. Everything is harmonious, and this lingers for what seems like a minute on the finish. Difficult to stop sipping. Drink now through 2033. 750 cases made, 208 cases imported."
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
(9/19/2019) "This Vin Santo sports a more sophisticated and savory approach that is in part due to its very character and in part due to its age. The 2008 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (in a 375-milliliter bottle) shows a polished copper color with resin, brown sugar, caramel and dried fruit. This wine has a touch of wild mushroom or underbrush as well. The finish is powerful, very sweet and delightful. This wine shows a very careful sense of balance and harmony. It's almost underplayed as far as Vin Santos go, but it is exceedingly elegant nonetheless. The blend is 55% Malvasia and 45% Trebbiano, and the oak aging is extended over ten years. Only 8,000 bottles were made."
