2015 Castello dei Rampolla Super Tuscan Vigna d’Alceo

VIN97 Dark, powerful and explosive, D’Alceo is one of the epic wines of 2015. Crème de cassis, plum, graphite, sage, lavender, and menthol rush out of the glass in a deep, beautifully resonant wine loaded with class. A wine with striking inner sweetness, depth and structure, the 2015 will thrill readers lucky enough to own it for a number of years to come. The 2015 was fermented in cement and then spent 14 months in oak. It is rich, sumptuous and simply irresistible. 
WS96 Featuring concentrated flavors of blackberry, black currant, earth and leafy underbrush, this red is wrapped in a shroud of stiff tannins that upsets the balance a little. Nevertheless, this will come into its own with decanting, a little aging in bottle or paired with grilled steak or lamb. Delivers excellent intensity, energy and length.
JS95 This is a big and self-assured red with lots of charcoal, vanilla, dried blackberries, barbecued meat and resin. Full-bodied and very chewy indeed with a ton of dark fruit and raw power. A delicate line of acidity pulls the brakes on. Drink in 2027!
Estate Notes: Deep purple red color. Intense and complex bouquet on the nose with notes of espresso, sweet melted licorice, black currant, jam, tobacco and toasty oak. The palate is rich, full-bodied, elegant, with refined tannins. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot. Fermentation in Concrete vats. French oak barriques and tonneaux of 500 L for 14-16 months. 24 months in bottle before release.

This historic estate owned by the Di Napoli family since 1964 is situated in Panzano’s Conca d’Oro. Selling its first estate bottles in 1975, Castello dei Rampolla emerged as one of a hand-full of producers who played a major role in the revival of the Chianti Classico. Characterized by innovative and rigorous production strategies, biodynamic methods have been used in the vineyards since 1994. Castello dei Rampolla wines have become cult favorites for their consistency and authenticity.
 
D’Alceo is a single vineyard, named in honor of Maurizia and Luca Di Napoli’s late father Alceo, who planted the vineyard. While Sammarco is a pioneer in the Super-Tuscan establishment, Castello dei Rampolla’s d’Alceo – which debuted in 1996 as Vigna d’Alceo, has undeniably attracted greater attention. Its intense marriage of opulence and power has given it cult status, placing it in the realm of Masseto and Messorio. No other in its class achieves such a stunning and provocative expression – with a lush density that belies the wine’s serious structure. Petit Verdot’s contribution – unusual in the Super-Tuscan genre, renders d’Alceo more potent than the most power-hungry of cult Cabernets, imparting a sleek and spicy dimension.