slow wine

Classic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, emphatically fresh and not too heavy. Small red berries and spices on the nose, harmonious and round on the palate. Great value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, cloves, sandalwood and seashells. Ash and smoked meat, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with smooth tannins. Some smoky minerality on the finish. Rich, juicy nature to this." James Suckling

Apulian top wine from 60 to 70 year old vines! Zinfandel Sinfarosa Terra Nera offers a bouquet of overripe fruit and tobacco with an impressively fresh, but at the same time dense taste with sweet tannin and good persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Good full red. Aromas of blueberry, black cherry, steel shavings and blood orange. A creamy-sweet fruit bomb but not at all over the top, offering a remarkably light touch to its flavors of red fruit and herbs. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and a nicely persistent savory character." Vinous

Deep dark Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva with a beguiling aroma of dark red cherries and berry fruits, plus earthy notes, tar, spices and liquorice. "A mouthful of wine" in an incredibly appealing style. Spelt has remarkable concentration and excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"In 1994, the Di Properzio brothers founded this vineyard in the hinterland of Pescara and focus on terroir wines in the vineyards - like the Spelt: Smells of stone fruit, violets and blackcurrants; balanced in the mouth, the robust tannins contribute to the polish, shows elegance until the spicy-fruity final." Vinum

"Bright, luminous ruby garnet. In the nose of ripe forest berries and raspberries, elegant fruit, delicate spice, in the aftertaste of bread crust and light leather. Juicy and clear on the palate, spreads elegantly, crisp fruit with tightly woven tannin, seems very young, but again juicy and slightly salty in the finish, good and secure ageing potential." Falstaff

"Moderately saturated ruby. Ink, smoke, plum and red berries dominate the inviting nose. Then youthfully chewy but fine-grained, boasting long, clean, savory flavors that bring the aromas to mind. This strapping Montepulciano is relatively light on its feet." Vinous

"Bright lemons and oranges highlight raspberry and strawberry overtones. The medium-bodied palate is finely wound up in tightly buttoned tannins and driven along by vertical acidity and umami undertones." James Suckling

Bright ruby red. The fragrance is dominated by red and black berry aromas. With a little air, cherries and sour cherries become more and more distinct and something spicy that cannot be immediately assigned. Somehow fresh and yet Mediterranean, but not like Chianti or Brunello. Is it that little bit of Syrah? Or is it this unique terroir? Wherever this spice comes from, in combination with this distinctive fruit it smells simply wonderful. On the palate it is full-bodied, very juicy and again this unique combination of fruit and spice, which makes the wine simply exciting and special. Juicy, finely structured, perfectly balanced, with character and animating acid bite. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby. Very spicy, dark fruity nose of ripe Amarena cherries, ripe plums, rich forest berries, some black truffle, in the aftertaste of undergrowth. On the palate also spicy, very hearty with tight tannin, polished, spreads wonderfully over the tongue, with pressure, rich in the final." Falstaff

Benanti's new red wine comes 100% from the Monte Serra site (Contrada) and from Nerello Mascalese vines about 12 years old. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It inspires with its lively taste, enormous energy and terrific minerality and ends in a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium-density garnet red. Smells like cherries and rhubarb in the nose. On the palate smooth, fine tannin, juicy cherry fruit." Falstaff

Tasca was involved in Etna at an early stage and the latest result of this many years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante winery: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their strength, acidity and tight tannin very elegant, rich in finesse and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine due to the altitude, soil and morphology of the historical lava flows. A high annual rainfall secures all water reserves for the soil, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the variety of aromas of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Pianodario plot is situated at an average altitude of 775 metres above sea level between the hamlet of Montelaguardia and Randazzo. It covers an area of about 8 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of three new single-vineyard wines introduced by Tasca's Tascante, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario comes from the western-most parcel located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo. These are relatively new vines, planted in 2010, in soils representing various lava flows, the oldest in 1646 and the newest in 1981. This is a bright and accessible wine with pretty tones of wild berry and dried pomegranate followed by candied orange and pressed violets. It will no doubt be exciting to follow this wine as those vines get, proverbially speaking, older and wiser. Some 5,000 bottles were made." Robert Parker

Only in the best years does Sabino Loffredo vinify a tiny portion of his best Fiano grapes from the cru vineyard Toppole Montefredane as a single-vineyard white wine. The result is then called Cupo, is virtually hand-picked and can hardly be surpassed in purity and minerality. Slender and racy in the glass, it reveals an overwhelming freshness, notes of grapefruit and a subtle saltiness that is otherwise only found in the neighbouring Quintodecimo or in the whites from Etna. A real class of its own and we are delighted to have been allowed a small allocation! SUPERIORE.DE

Sauvignon Peri comes from the oldest vines of the estate and is a very classic, almost strict interpretation of Sauvignon Bianco. Vintage 2017 offers a lot of varietal character and is very aromatic and yet has a very fine coolness. Green apple, pear, gooseberry and spices melt into a complex and deep finish. It is a classic white meditation wine for us. SUPERIORE.DE

A wine of pure Burgundian elegance and Tuscan spice, which convinces with its long, continuous flow of tasty fruit and carefully extracted tannin. Fresh and great unaltered in the finish and with great storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightening Ruby Garnet. Clear and appealing nose with notes of pomegranate, raspberry and some saffron. Very juicy at the beginning and during the course, shows nice salty notes, fine tannin with a soft core, good tension." Falstaff

A wine of pure Burgundian elegance and Tuscan spiciness, which convinces in its long, continuous course with tasty fruit and carefully extracted tannin. Fresh and superbly unadulterated in the finish and with great storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, appealing garnet red. Inviting and open nose, presents a colourful spice bush with notes of cardamom and coriander seed, followed by plenty of ripe raspberry, blackberry and dried cherries. Clear and straight on the palate, comes light-footed, dance-like, fine ripe fruit, lots of raspberry, opens with fine-meshed tannin, draws through beautifully, in the finale sweet tobacco notes." Falstaff

"A polished and juicy red with plum and berry character, fine tannins and a savory finish. Burgundian texture with Tuscan nature. Love it." James Suckling

Cherries and spices in the vibrant bouquet, rounded off with hints of granite and menthol. On the palate, much dark fruit, great suppleness, silky tannins and remarkable balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is exotic yet chilled with a red fruit character overlaid with fresh flowers on the nose. Smoky. Medium to full body, firm yet lightly polished. Lovely fruit and subtly refined. Layered. Extremely fine and pretty." James Suckling

"I never have enough praise for the excellent work achieved at Uccelliera. The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is another proud notch in Andrea Cortonesi's belt. This is a fine and elegant wine that wraps smoothly over the palate. It also has an immediate and accessible personality that means you don't need to wait too long to enjoy it. The wine is redolent of dark fruit, spice, balsam herb, licorice and pressed flowers. You get loads of variety character." Robert Parker

"A mix of sweet cherry and berry fruit and salty licorice and mineral elements mark this savory red, which is firm yet lively, with plenty of energy on the resonant aftertaste. Fine balance overall." Wine Spectator

Top-class red wine from predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with unmistakable Tuscan roots shines with ripe fruit bouquet and aromas of green pepper, leather and a hint of herbal spice. The taste is solid, in which the crunchy tannin is excellently integrated into the powerful structure. A grandiose pleasure that spreads far and wide and increases into the long finale. SUPERIORE.DE

"The violet, blackberry and sandalwood character is impressive. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Linear and structured." James Suckling

"The 2014 Sammarco is distinctly savory and nervous in this vintage, both reflections of the cool growing season that favored Cabernet Sauvignon over the other varieties in the blend. Sweet tobacco, grilled herbs, red cherry, menthol and dried flowers struggle to fully emerge, as the 2014 remains a touch compact today. Hints of rose petal and mint add a touch of freshness to this mid-weight, yet deeply expressive Sammarco. The 2014 is going to need time to fully emerge, but I expect it will always be a relatively understated Sammarco." Antonio Galloni

"The 2014 Sammarco was bottled in August and will be released in January 2019. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese. At this young stage, the wine already offers an impressive array of complex aromas with dark berry, spice and grilled herb neatly overlapping. Those tones are delivered with perfume-like grace and intensity. This vintage is streamlined and compact in terms of mouthfeel, and those youthful tannins remind us that this wine will award the best results to those who have the patience to wait." Robert Parker

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with firm tannin and sweet fruit melt. If one gives it time, this wine (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) stands at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright dark red. Intensely aromatic nose of superripe red cherry, spices, minerals, balsamic vinegar and broom. Then clean, vibrant and tactile, with polished tannins providing noteworthy backbone on the long youthful, chewy finish. This will need a long time to smoothen out. The G in the wine’s name stands for Guardiola (800 meters asl). First made in 2011, so much later than the other single contrada wines by Franchetti." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Fragrant and light red fruit with rather firm tannins. Seems pretty much ready now, but still in cask for the foreseeable future." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh and light- to medium-bodied, this perfumed red offers dried mint, violet and anise accents to the cherry and mandarin orange peel flavors." Wine Spectator

Due to the climate and the small quantities, owner Caroline Pobitzer decided not to vinify Brunello 2014. The Montalcino lover will therefore get a Rosso Bassolino in his glass, which is certainly one of the best of its vintage. Deep ruby red. A bewitching bouquet of ripe red cherries, some raspberry jam, violets, cinnamon and minerals. Dense and lush in the mouth, with creamy aromas of ripe red cherry and violet notes supported by a harmonious acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a bit of breaking news. When I went to the winery to taste this wine, it was geared up to be classified as a Brunello di Montalcino. The idea was to use the best fruit that could be obtained from the Bassolino vineyard in this difficult vintage. Only 3,000 bottles plus a few magnums were made. Just hours after my tasting, I got an email from proprietor Caroline Pobitzer saying that the Brunello I had tasted, would in fact be declassified as Rosso. In effect, the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino Bassolino has the DNA and the pedigree of a Brunello, but the qualities of the vintage make the wine lean on impact and ephemeral in terms of its bouquet. It's all about grace and poise without that distinctive brawn you get in Brunello. But if your palate veers toward the light, elegant and fragile side of the Sangiovese spectrum, you should scoop up as many bottles as possible because this wine speaks directly to those tastes. The wine is beautifully balanced and carefully acidic in all the right spots." Robert Parker

Single vineyard Barolo Ravera from 40 to 50 year old vines smells pure and intense of raspberries, strawberries and flowers. Full-bodied and silky on the palate, beautiful fruit, super-fine tannins and a wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Beautiful flowery cherry nose that is still a little bit reductive. Balsamic hint and a touch of liquorice. Supple and with savoury minerally impact on the palate. Gorgeous balance between savoury fruit and firm, savoury tannins, like sucking ripe stalks." Jancis Robinson

"The Ravera cru of Novello is quietly growing in prestige and consistency. It is becoming one of the latest additions to an elite list of grand cru sites in the Barolo appellation. That quality is demonstrated in a difficult vintage such as this. The 2014 Barolo Ravera is a tight and polished expression with a glossy and gleaming personality. The fruit is fine-tuned and small in range, but it hits the senses with pinpoint precision. The wine shows the taut tightness of its youth and will flesh out with a few more years of cellar aging." Robert Parker

"Pure cherry and strawberry fruit graces this delicate Barolo. Elements of licorice, tar and mineral add complexity and there is adequate structure. Still, this should be approachable early for the light weight and balance." Wine Spectator

"Cogno's 2014 Barolo Ravera is tense and crystalline in feel, with striking translucence and a level of purity in its flavors and textures that is beguiling. The inner tension in the 2014 is simply alluring. Bright, red-toned fruit, floral overtones and piercing saline underpinnings all come to life in this compelling, deeply expressive Barolo from Elvio Cogno." Antonio Galloni

"The fruit and depth of this wine is very pretty. With brightness and transparency. Plums, and cherries with dried flowers and spices. Medium to full body, bright fruit and acidity. A powerful finish. A fantastic 2014." James Suckling

Dark ruby with light edge. In the bouquet dark red fruits, cedar wood and crushed stone with a fine grill spice. A balanced wine, to which the cooler locations and the light sea breeze give profile and contour at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Underbrush, tilled soil, new leather, dried herb and pressed rose aromas slowly unfold in the glass. On the vibrant, linear palate, white pepper and chopped mint notes accent a core of sour cherry and pomegranate. Racy acidity and taut refined tannins give it an elegant structure while a saline note closes the lingering finish. It's still youthfully austere and needs time to fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of smoky meat, dark berry and dried flowers. Full body, chewy tannins and a tight finish. Reserved. Needs two or three years to soften." James Suckling

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino walks a very fine line between elegance and finesse. Those may seem like two analogous terms, but this wine teaches you that they are not. The bouquet offers tonic and buoyant tones of wild berry, blueberry, dried herb and licorice. Each is elegant in its own right, but together they form a nuanced and finessed whole. Le Potazzine does very nicely in the hot vintages, but it delivers unexpected surprises (like this wine) in the cooler ones." Robert Parker

"Bright red. Sweet, spicy red cherry, blueberry compote and powdered rocks on the nose are complicated by herbs and ink. Rich, dense and multilayered, but with delightful vibrancy that gives this concentrated beauty’s liqueur-like richness of red and blue fruit flavors a graceful quality. Outstanding sugar-acid-tannin balance contributes to this wine’s many charms on the exhilaratingly long, lively finish. One of the best Brunellos of the 2013 vintage." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

Translucent purple with a fresh garnet red edge. The bouquet is a potpourri of dried fruit, dark chocolate and a delicate nougat note. Opened on the palate fruity and velvety and will be a pleasure for many years to come with its straightforwardness and wonderfully integrated acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells beguilingly of red berries, truffles and flowers; elegant approach, the tannins youthful and yet fine-grained, combines character, freshness, great length. In short: great Barbaresco that can still mature." Vinum

"Mid ruby. Serious, savoury nose that is still a little closed. Brooding and still a little compact and firm on the palate, but with a succulent, tightly knit finish with persistent, sandpapery tannins. Very youthful and solidly built." Jancis Robinson

"Plum and cherry fruit is accented by licorice, leather and tar notes in this tightly wound red. The tannins are on the severe side today, yet this finds equilibrium in the end." Wine Spectator

"Delicious, lifted notes of incense and candlewax envelop dried rose petals and cedar. Tannic and structured, full-bodied and powerful, this remains an elegant Barbaresco with a sheen of iridescent acidity and a buffed, polished texture. Drink from 2021." James Suckling

"The 2016 Barbaresco Fausoni is another superb wine in this lineup of 2016 Barbarescos from the Sottimano family. Bright floral and citrus overtones give the 2016 a vibrant, chiseled feel. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol rose petal and lavender are some of the many notes that flesh out in this super-expressive, mid-weight Barbaresco from Sottimano. Aromatically lifted, dense on the palate and also very structured, the 2016 is a very complete Fausoni. The 2016 finishes with tremendous persistence and a classic sense of austerity that is compelling." VINOUS

"The Fausoni zone provides sandy and clay soils, and you get more power here than from the other locations. These vines are 35 to 40 years old, and the 2016 Barbaresco Fausoni lets fly those menthol notes that are so characteristic of this vineyard in Neive. Slightly more balsamic in its aromatic profile than the other Barbarescos, this expression of Nebbiolo, sitting sur lies for two years, shows a very different tannic feel in a wine that offers surprising freshness and purity. Those minty Neive notes, its direct and linear nature, plus the very precise and sharply managed tannins make this cru a winner in my book." Robert Parker

Single vineyard Barolo Ravera from 40 to 50 year old vines smells pure and intense of raspberries, strawberries and flowers. Full-bodied and silky on the palate, beautiful fruit, super-fine tannins and a wonderful length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Like the 2015 Cascina Nuova, but amplified. Great lift and focus of ripe red fruit. Ripe palate with zippy, crunchy red fruit and polished tannins. Very long, satisfying and mouth-filling without being heavy, and with intense, perfumed red fruit building up on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Soaring aromatics make a strong opening statement in the 2015 Barolo Ravera. Bright, precise and finely sculpted, the Ravera captures all the best the 2015 vintage has to offer. Kirsch, sweet mint, hard candy and expressive floral notes are given an extra kick of inner sweetness from the natural energy of Ravera. There is so much to look forward to as the 2015 develops in bottle. This is a stellar showing" VINOUS

"This is tightly structured and dense, with burly tannins wrapped around cherry, plum, licorice, tar and menthol flavors. It’s difficult to see where this is going today, but the finish is long and will need considerable time to hit its stride." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Barolo Ravera shows a deep concentration and dark fruit intensity. This warm-vintage Barolo opens with a ripe and soft bouquet that brings out some nice cherry notes with creamy black fruit at the back. The finish is soft and luscious. There is so much fruity succulence here that the wine should stand up to a gamey dish of liver pâté or pasta with wild boar." Robert Parker

"Beautifully pure and seamless Barolo with superb balance. Bright strawberry and floral aromas and attractive sweet spices, leading to a palate with assertive, juicy tannins that carry rich, fresh red-plum and cherry flavor. Power with elegance." James Suckling

"New leather, balsamic herb, rose, truffle and woodland berry aromas take shape in the glass along with a whiff of charcuterie. The focused, savory palate has a great depth of flavor, doling out raspberry compote, cinnamon, crushed mint and a hint of cocoa alongside a backbone of firm tannins and fresh acidity. It still needs time to fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

Bright, powerful ruby, aromas of cherry, red currant, cocoa and tar. Juicy, spicy and bright, with firm acidity and tight tannins that give it definition and lift the aromas. Very fresh and precise, persistent and smooth. Has excellent potential. When tasting decades-old wines from the house of Mastroberardino (back to the century 1928), it becomes clear: the wines are monumental, immortal or at least for eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dry and aromatic red, with accents of cured tobacco and pencil shavings to the flavors of baked raspberry, licorice snap and tarry smoke. Well-knit and balanced, this is full-bodied, with dense tannins firming the finish. Give this some time in the cellar to shine." Wine Spectator

Dark ruby red, in the Bouquet aromas of ripe, red fruits and a fine wood spice. Elegant, soft, complex and fresh, the taste is exuberant and very flattering. A masterpiece from the Basilicata! SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's another great vintage from Elena Fucci, the ascending star of a rising wine region in the deep south of Italy. The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo shows a dark garnet color and robust appearance. Very characteristic of this extreme territory, this is a dark and penetrating wine with etched mineral notes behind blackberry, plum and savory spice. This vintage presents an even darker quality of fruit. In the mouth, you get iron, blood and dark mineral nuances that are absolutely typical of these darkened volcanic soils." Robert Parker

"Fresh and well-meshed, this is a medium- to full-bodied red, with creamy tannins and a rich note of smoke-tinged mineral underscoring the lovely range of ripe black cherry, dried thyme and fig cake flavors and hints of ground cumin and white pepper. This is round and finely balanced, with a long, lingering finish that echoes the spice and mineral detail." Wine Spectator

"Elena Fucci crafts one single wine. The piercing and focused Titolo exudes incense, violet, dark earth and black cherry. Volcanic soil translates with vibrant energy. Muscular rather than plump and built to last." Decanter

Pian Dell'With its Brunello Vigneti del Versante 2013, Orino has undoubtedly achieved one of the most exciting wines in Montalcino. From the bright ruby red emerge warm, very seductive aromas of black cherries, flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth. The interplay between the rich fruit and the classic structure is ingenious. The taste captivates with its intensity, luxurious and mysterious dark. Love at first sight! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby garnet. Scent of cherry and raspberry in the nose. Very appealing on the palate, opens with a rich, firm tannin, ripe berry fruit and fine fruit sweetness, in the finale discreet iodine." Falstaff

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante exhibits an immediate sense of depth and complexity. Winemaking saw minimal movement or pump-overs because Jan Hendrik Erbach tends to keep his wines in reduction for a long as possible in order to slow down their evolution. This is especially important in an immediate and accessible vintage like 2013. This expression is profound and precise with sharply etched aromas of wild berry, licorice, lavender and lightly roasted almond. Violets flood over the palate, backed by silky fine texture." Robert Parker

Delicate garnet reflexes enliven the classic ruby, and the bouquet combines aromas of ripe cherries with notes reminiscent of tobacco and medicinal herbs to create a complex harmony. The taste, interspersed with flawlessly fine tannins, gains an almost sensational fullness in the course of time and is supported by a good acid component. A Riserva like from a picture book. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense garnet red. Very inviting and intense nose of cranberries and pomegranate, some saffron, juicy, fresh cherry. Pithy, very well placed tannin on the palate, fine sweet melt, echoes for a long time, very juicy, has potential for many years." Falstaff

"This shows ripeness and richness of fruit. It’s full-bodied with juicy fruit and a savory finish. Verges on jammy, yet there’s tension and freshness with orange-peel and floral undertones." James Suckling

"Broad shouldered and firmly structured with expressive aromas and flavors of red cherry, flint, blackberry reduction and underbrush. Finishes very long and saline; strikes me as one of the more refined, lightweight versions of Poggio al Vento in years. Lovely wine, and commendably, very much in style of the vintage. I expect this to improve considerably in the years to come: well done." Vinous

"Aromas of underbrush, wild berry, leather, camphor and Mediterranean herb waft out of the glass. The full-bodied palate is still young and primary but shows great aging potential, delivering juicy red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and tobacco set against firm tannins while bright acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento sets this venerable Riserva program squarely back on track thanks to its balanced intensity and classic lines. Like in the other Sangiovese-based wines from this historic Montalcino estate, this wine is distinguished by those estate-specific savory and sanguine notes that recall rusty nail or iron, all followed by balsam herb, powdered licorice and even a touch of eucalyptus oil. The wine's texture is medium in weight and ultimately this expression is more buoyant in mouthfeel than you might initially expect of a wine that has aged for this long." Robert Parker

A wine of pure Burgundian elegance and Tuscan spice, which convinces with its long, continuous flow of tasty fruit and carefully extracted tannin. Fresh and great unaltered in the finish and with great storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightening Ruby Garnet. Clear and appealing nose with notes of pomegranate, raspberry and some saffron. Very juicy at the beginning and during the course, shows nice salty notes, fine tannin with a soft core, good tension." Falstaff

One of the top wines of the region, which has been undisputed for decades. With its French elegance and international flair, it convincingly represents above all its Chianti terroir. Concentrated colour, wide, complex scent that changes from sweet berry aromas to delicate spicy clove and cinnamon nuances and finally to very fresh menthol accents. Almost creamy in its soft nature, the full-bodied, excessive taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2011 D'Alceo is a stunning blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Petit Verdot. The bouquet is perfumed and enticing with dark rose, cherry fruit, spice, leather, cola, grilled herb and so much more. Fruit comes from a six-hectare single vineyard (whereas fruit for the Sanmarco represents a special selection from various vineyards.) The intensity and purity is what sets this wine part. Both are impeccable. In the mouth, D'Alceo feels long, linear and meaningful. Castello dei Rampolla practices biodynamic farming." Robert Parker

"The 2011 d'Alceo is fascinating to taste next to the Sammarco, as it is much more open-knit, silky and expressive. Cherry jam, pomegranate, spice and new leather flesh out in the glass. The integration of fruit, tannin and acidity is further along than in the Sammarco. The 2011 d'Alceo should open up pretty early, which should be welcome news to readers cellaring some of the more tannic vintages. I expect the 2011 will provide readers with a long drinking window of pure pleasure." Antonio Galloni

"This is very firm and dense with fantastic structure and a superb depth of fruit and silky tannins. Full body showing a core of ripe fruit featuring currants and blackberries. Minerals and fresh mushrooms to add." James Suckling