Castello dei Rampolla - Vigna d'Alceo 2018

99 Points! "The 2018 d'Alceo is a wild, exotic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot come together in a wine that is sumptuous, layered and exceptionally beautiful. Inky blue/purplish fruit, sage, mint, lavender and chocolate are some of the many notes that take shape. The 2018 was fermented in cement then aged 12 months in a combination of 500L tonneaux and barriques. This really blooms with time." Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

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.

Vigna d'Alceo • 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 % Petit Verdot

The 2018 d'Alceo is a wild, exotic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot come together in a wine that is sumptuous, layered and exceptionally beautiful. Inky blue/purplish fruit, sage, mint, lavender and chocolate are some of the many notes that take shape. The 2018 was fermented in cement then aged 12 months in a combination of 500L tonneaux and barriques. This really blooms with time.

The 2018 d'Alceo is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), with Petit Verdot (15%) in a supporting role. The wine reveals an inky dark appearance with dried blackberry, rum cake, succulent blackberry and syrupy kirsch. There is a good amount of fruit weight to carry the wine over the palate, but the quality of the fruit is superb; and the finish is finely textured and silky despite the robust aromas. It is powerful, yet weightless at the same time. That in itself is something of a small miracle. Fruit is sourced from across a six-hectare vineyard with south and southeast exposures. Production is 11,028 bottles and 100 magnums. Monica Larner Wine Advocate, February 2023