Castello dei Rampolla

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla and her brother Luca call their strategy of natural viticulture "soft farming". The very successful Chianti Classico with its clean fruit bouquet, precise taste and firm tannin is a treat that is strictly limited every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chianti Classico is an explosion of aromas and flavors. Freshly cut, flowers and red/purplish fruit abound. A classic example of the year, Rampolla's Chianti Classico is flat-out gorgeous and one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting." Vinous

"This is such a pretty wine and such an absolute pleasure to drink, thanks to its intrinsic simplicity and brightness. The Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Chianti Classico gives us a textbook rendition of Tuscany's Sangiovese grape, with the extra brightness, sharpness and crisp acidity that comes naturally. This wine reveals a profoundly authentic character with wild berry, lavender, garden soil and crushed aspirin." Robert Parker

"This is a fantastic Chianti Classico with so much complexity and intensity. Cherry, chocolate, hazelnut and wet earth with some black truffle. It’s medium-bodied with depth of fruit and fantastic texture and length. Don’t miss this. Unfiltered. Very drinkable now, but one for the cellar." James Suckling

Trebianco is a golden yellow and amphora-aged so-called "orange wine" made from Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. On the nose, hints of sweet tobacco, nutmeg, leather, honey, orange peel and spicy herbs. Fresh on the palate with a vibrant acidity. Note: The wine is unsulphured, unfiltered and intriguingly special. An oxidative note and also lees in the wine do not represent a quality defect. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made with no added sulfites, as is recorded on the front label, the Castello dei Rampolla 2020 Trebianco di S. Lucia opens to a darkish copper color and orange highlights. Made in amphorae, the nose is neutral with subtle hints of beeswax, candied fruit and dried apricot that denote an oxidative winemaking style. As the wine opens in the glass, you will appreciate hints of flowery tea leaf and some lingering nuttiness. Skin contact gives this white wine a unique sense of tannic firmness and structure." Robert Parker

"The 2020 Trebianco di Santa Lucia is a blend of Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia done in amphora. Readers will find an orange wine of notable structure, power and intensity. Tangerine oil, chamomile, hazelnut and spice add complexity. Stylistically, the Trebianco is pretty eccentric compared to most of the reds, especially the flagships." Vinous

"An amber-orange color with aromas of bergamot, dried orange, clove, star anise, chamomile and seashell. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity and a fine tannin structure. Savory, spicy and flavorful. Very well done. No sulphites added. Unfiltered." James Suckling

This Sangiovese rarity, bottled without added sulphite, is only produced in the best vintages and matures for 16 months in terracotta amphora. Compact colour, fruity, slightly animal bouquet of strawberry, cherry, caramel and brown bread. Very juicy on the palate, with sufficient aeration a puristic and at the same time extraordinarily tasty pleasure. The production quantity is just 2,400 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with a drop of violet. In the nose first nuances of rum pot, then after bitter chocolate and sour cherries. On the palate with fresh fruit and hearty, grippy tannin, spreads out decisively, then unfortunately a bit consuming in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Sangiovese di Santa Lucia is Rampolla's red done in amphora, with no SO2. Bright, punchy and full of character, the Sangiovese is a wine of notable personality, I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later, while the fruit remains vibrant. Sweet floral, spice and game notes, along with that touch of reduction wines in amphora show, add to its personality." Vinous

"Flaunting its purity and unmistakable primary intensity, the Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Sangiovese di S. Lucia gives us all a little lesson in Sangiovese. If you look at the textbooks, this mighty Tuscan grape is often said to be redolent of wild berries, soil, rusty nail and blue flower. Low and behold, those are precisely the aromas you get. This vintage hits the nail squarely on the head and delivers a classic portrait. Earthy aromas of red brick and clay play a leading role. Indeed, the wine is fermented on the skins in amphorae." Robert Parker

"Fresh and delicious, this 100% Sangiovese has earthy aromas of sunbaked soil, truffle, leather and ripe plum. Made entirely in earthenware vessels of cocciopesto (a blend of stone, sand, marl and terra-cotta) and without added sulfites, the smooth, juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, blackberry, baking spice and mineral alongside supple tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. It's made to be drunk young so enjoy soon." Wine Enthusiast

Since the 2018 vintage, a small quantity of Merlot has been vinified separately for the first time at Rampolla, named after the mother Donna Liù. The unfiltered wine was aged for 12 months in terracotta amphora and is almost fermented to 0 g/l residual sugar. Very elegant, fresh nose of sour cherry, laurel and cassis. On the palate, fresh and without the sometimes exuberant opulence of some other Tuscan Merlots, with a precise cherry fruit and salty-minty component. A finely chiselled Merlot and hard to beat in terms of freshness, clarity and personality. It bridges the gap between the Chianti Classico and the two flagships of the house, Sammarco and d'Alceo. Needs a few more years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Berries, cherries and violets with some black-olive and black-truffle notes. Very complex. Medium-to full-bodied with linear tannins that are polished and fine, running through the center palate. Tight at the end. Very pretty and racy. Unfiltered." James Suckling

"The 2019 Merlot Liu' is another outrageously beautiful wine from Rampolla. Deep, inky and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous energy to match its purity of fruit. Blueberry, spice, leather, menthol and espresso build into the potent, tannic finish. Readers will find a serious Merlot packed with fruit and structure. Rampolla planted Merlot in 2000 and 2003 to soften Sammarco, but the vines turned out to be more productive than expected, giving birth to the Liu'. The 2019 was aged in cement and terracotta. I am not entirely sure how the Liu' will mature, but I also doubt that will be much a concern for the vast majority of readers." Vinous

"The Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Liù is a relatively new wine (the first vintage made was the 2018) and a pure expression of Merlot. The wine is generously endowed with lots of fruit flavor and a distinctive punchiness that adds a bright and lifted quality to the bouquet. It sports a mid-weight approach with plenty of summer fresh cherry, plum and other purple fruits. It's hard not to feel immediately attracted to this wine, especially given its very vivid and bright personality. You'll have a lot of fun drinking Liù straight out of the gate or likewise waiting for it to complete its bottle evolution." Robert Parker

Sammarco, made predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon with unmistakable Tuscan roots, shines with a ripe fruit bouquet and aromas of green pepper, leather and a hint of herbal spice. The taste is solid, in which the crisp tannin is excellently integrated into the powerful structure. Grandiose enjoyment, which spreads out widely and increases into the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot: Impressive attack with a potpourri of notes of fruits, spices, also tobacco; smooth texture with beautiful melting, elegant tannins and great length. Also successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright, powerful ruby. Opens with fine spicy notes, delicate bay leaf, some cardamom, then ripe dark currant and tobacco. Round and polished on the attack, then opens with grippy tannin, savoury and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a tiny part Sangiovese, the 2017 Sammarco is lush, generous and soft. This wine captures the spirit of generosity and richness that characterizes this sunny vintage. It reveals softer lines and more pliant contours compared to some of the cooler vintages of the past, and you get a generous down pouring of dark fruit, dried blackberry, cinnamon spice and cured leather or tobacco. The tannins are quite robust, but the wine also shows an immediate and accessible approach that distinguishes this growing season." Robert Parker

"The 2017 Sammarco is heady, exotic and totally beautiful. It is also not anywhere near ready to show all it's got. Iron, smoke, red cherry fruit, leather, blood orange and spice are some of the many notes that infuse the 2017 with layers of complexity. Firm, muscular tannins are going to need time to soften. Even so, the 2017 is a rare Sammarco that will require only minimal cellaring, which is why the estate decided to release it ahead of the 2016." Vinous

"A beam of pure cherry energizes this red, which is defined by vivid acidity. Floral, loamy earth, cocoa and sanguine notes add depth as the muscular tannins take hold on the finish. This has the goods, but just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Such beautiful balance and refinement to this legendary red with cherries, chocolate, walnuts, hazelnuts and autumn leaves. It's medium to full-bodied with wonderful, creamy tannins and a persistent and complete finish. Needs three to four years to show all it has. Definitely one for the cellar." James Suckling

Since the 2018 vintage, a small quantity of Merlot has been vinified separately for the first time at Rampolla, named after the mother Donna Liù. The unfiltered wine was aged for 12 months in terracotta amphora and is almost fermented to 0 g/l residual sugar. Very elegant, fresh nose of sour cherry, laurel and cassis. On the palate, fresh and without the sometimes exuberant opulence of some other Tuscan Merlots, with a precise cherry fruit and salty-minty component. A finely chiselled Merlot and hard to beat in terms of freshness, clarity and personality. It bridges the gap between the Chianti Classico and the two flagships of the house, Sammarco and d'Alceo. Needs a few more years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Berries, cherries and violets with some black-olive and black-truffle notes. Very complex. Medium-to full-bodied with linear tannins that are polished and fine, running through the center palate. Tight at the end. Very pretty and racy. Unfiltered." James Suckling

"The 2019 Merlot Liu' is another outrageously beautiful wine from Rampolla. Deep, inky and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous energy to match its purity of fruit. Blueberry, spice, leather, menthol and espresso build into the potent, tannic finish. Readers will find a serious Merlot packed with fruit and structure. Rampolla planted Merlot in 2000 and 2003 to soften Sammarco, but the vines turned out to be more productive than expected, giving birth to the Liu'. The 2019 was aged in cement and terracotta. I am not entirely sure how the Liu' will mature, but I also doubt that will be much a concern for the vast majority of readers." Vinous

"The Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Liù is a relatively new wine (the first vintage made was the 2018) and a pure expression of Merlot. The wine is generously endowed with lots of fruit flavor and a distinctive punchiness that adds a bright and lifted quality to the bouquet. It sports a mid-weight approach with plenty of summer fresh cherry, plum and other purple fruits. It's hard not to feel immediately attracted to this wine, especially given its very vivid and bright personality. You'll have a lot of fun drinking Liù straight out of the gate or likewise waiting for it to complete its bottle evolution." Robert Parker

Vigna d'Alceo '09 is a Cabernet Sauvignon with a low proportion of Petit Verdot of the extra class. The bouquet is rich, clean and fruity. Impressive its harmony, powerful and yet with a lot of elegance. A perfectly shaped drop with the potential to increase in value! SUPERIORE.DE

"A super generous red with spices, meat and berry character. Full body with round and velvety tannins. Rich and generous. Gorgeous wine. A blend of cabernet sauvignon and petite verdot." James Suckling

"Bright, rich ruby violet. Opened in the nose with smoky-mineral notes, then plenty of plump fruit, inviting for elderberries and blackberries. It shows itself polished on the palate, opens with a lot of finely woven, rich tannin, builds up for a long time, a lot of juicy fruit, rich pressure in the finale." Falstaff

"The 2009 D'Alceo is quite a bit firmer and more structured than the Sammarco. An exotic melange of dark cherries, plums, grilled herbs, cassis and new leather emerges from the glass, backed up by tons of structure. Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics and brighter shades of fruit. This is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo. The 2009 will drink well with minimum cellaring within the context of prior vintages. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Judging by this effort, I would say Rampolla nailed the vintage." Antonio Galloni

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

Every year, D'Alceo is a stunningly attractive wine that convincingly represents its Chianti terroir with French elegance and international flair. Concentrated colour, wide, complex bouquet that changes from lovely berry aromas to delicately spicy clove and cinnamon nuances and finally to very fresh menthol accents. Almost creamy in its softness, the full-bodied, debauched taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy bouquet of wild berries, spices, herbs; pithy attack with powerful tannin, the acidity perfectly integrated, lots of character and juice until the ell-long finish. A seducer, despite its muscle and fullness." Vinum

"Fruit for this wine always comes from the same vineyard site, and production was heavily reduced in this difficult vintage. If an average year sees 13,000 bottles made, only 6,200 bottles were made of the 2014 d'Alceo. This wine shows beautiful brightness and linearity with a polished, almost glossy texture that feels like silk on the palate. The wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller part Petit Verdot. It offers a mid-weight texture with balanced tannins and acidity to seal the deal." Robert Parker

"Wonderful aromas of crushed raspberries, blueberries and violets follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Joyful 2014!" James Suckling

"The 2014 d'Alceo is more in line with previous years than Sammarco. Deep, unctuous and super-powerful, the 2014 exudes richness and textural intensity from the very first taste. Readers will have to give the 2014 at least a few years in bottle to help some of the baby fat meld away. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, sage, mint and lavender are some of the many notes that start to emerge as the wine sits in the glass. This is a terrific effort for the vintage." VINOUS

Concentrated colour, wide, complex fragrance that changes from sweet berry aromas to delicately spicy clove and cinnamon nuances and finally to very fresh menthol accents. Almost creamy in its soft nature, the rich, voluptuous taste. Every year D'Alceo is a dazzlingly attractive wine, which with French elegance and international flair convincingly represents above all its Chianti terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Truffle, leather, crushed violet, mature blueberry and molten chocolate aromas meld together on this full-bodied red. A savory, earthy blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, the smooth palate offers mature blueberry, blackberry and clove aromas punctuated with hints of game. Velvety tannins provide polished support." Wine Enthusiast

"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!" James Suckling

"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." Wine Spectator

"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." Vinous

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 2012 d'Alceo is sweet, round and enveloping. Silky tannins give the 2012 much of its shape, while adding to the wine's appeal. Plum, black cherry, menthol, licorice and sweet spices wrap around the fleshy, succulent finish. Like the Sammarco, d'Alceo is a bit restrained in this vintage." Antonio Galloni

"Fragrant and enticing with flower petal, dried black tea and berry aromas. Full to medium body, chewy tannins and a fruity finish. Needs to come together still." James Suckling

"A focused, balanced style, evoking pure cherry, raspberry, mineral and floral aromas and flavors, this is elegant and fluid yet dense and well structured, ending with lively acidity and dusty tannins. The finish goes on and on." Wine Spectator

2016 produced a d'Alceo of remarkable depth and purity. Similar to 2010, it presents itself closed at first, after some time it opens up with a multi-layered bouquet of plum, black cherry, camphor and incense. On the palate, it is firm, compact and initially introverted, then mint, spices, dark red fruit, plus cassis and graphite. The taste sensations come to light rather gradually, with this outstanding red it is worth waiting as hardly anywhere else to be able to fully discover the depth and complexity of this Tuscan jewel. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby violet. Opens with light smoky notes, then lush elderberry, cassis and liquorice. Lining the palate richly, lots of present fruit, opens with hearty, gripping tannin in many layers, fine earthy notes on the final, sweet melting." Falstaff

"A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this compelling wine opens with enticing aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, new leather, pipe tobacco and menthol. Chewy and delicious, the palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and baking spice framed in firm, refined tannins. It's full bodied, with a weightless elegance and a crushed mint finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Castello dei Rampolla 2016 d'Alceo is an extra dark and brooding expression of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot in a supporting role. The wine sits firmly on the palate, imparting weight, staying power and extra heat. In fact, some sort of bistecca alla Fiorentina or otherwise succulent grilled meat pairing is what comes immediately to mind. The immense power of the wine rumbles and trembles in the glass, figuratively speaking, revealing dried blackberry, prune and black cherry confit. This 2016 vintage shows impressive clarity and focus both on the nose and in the mouth." Robert Parker

"Lots of richness here, but there's always balance and focus with blackberry and chocolate character and hazelnut undertones. Bark, too. It's full-bodied, but tight and focused at the end. Always a great wine." James Suckling

"The 2016 D'Alceo combines unctuous intensity with pure, raw power. It won't be ready to drink until age ten, at least, but there is plenty to look forward to. With a few hours of air, the fruit and breadth both start to emerge. Inky blueberry, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are some of the many nuances that build over time." Vinous

"This elegant red features cherry and black currant flavors interwoven with its silky texture. Tobacco and spice accents add complexity as this unfurls to a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements. Firmly built and still young." Wine Spectator

Initially closed, it opens up after some time with a multi-layered bouquet of plum, black cherry, camphor and incense. On the palate, it is firm, compact and initially introverted, then mint, spices, dark red fruit, plus cassis and graphite. The taste experiences come to light in small slices; with this outstanding red wine, it is worth waiting as hardly anywhere else to be able to fully discover the depth and complexity of this Tuscan jewel. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine opens to an almost impenetrable appearance with inky black hues and unruly intensity. The power of the bouquet is driven by the ripeness of the fruit and perhaps a positive pinch of volatile acidity (just the right amount for emphasis) that adds extra lift and punch to the overall effect. Syrupy blackberry segues to smoky tar and resin. We saw impactful tannins in the 2016 Sammarco, but the 2017 d'Alceo takes that astringency one step further. The 2017 will sure take many years to reach harmony." Robert Parker

"The 2017 D'Alceo possesses mind-blowing intensity and pedigree to burn. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2017 is magnificently impressive right out of the gate. Lavender, rose petal, spice, kirsch, mint and violet lead into a core of inky dark blue/purplish berry fruit. Soft contours and suave, silky tannins give the 2017 so much immediacy, but there is plenty of cellaring potential too. In a word: epic." Vinous

Vigna d'Alceo '09 is a Cabernet Sauvignon with a low proportion of Petit Verdot of the extra class. The bouquet is rich, clean and fruity. Impressive its harmony, powerful and yet with a lot of elegance. A perfectly shaped drop with the potential to increase in value! SUPERIORE.DE

"A super generous red with spices, meat and berry character. Full body with round and velvety tannins. Rich and generous. Gorgeous wine. A blend of cabernet sauivgnon and petite verdot. Much better in 2015 when the tannins come together." James Suckling

"Bright, rich ruby violet. Opened in the nose with smoky-mineral notes, then plenty of plump fruit, inviting for elderberries and blackberries. It shows itself polished on the palate, opens with a lot of finely woven, rich tannin, builds up for a long time, a lot of juicy fruit, rich pressure in the finale." Falstaff

"The 2009 D'Alceo is quite a bit firmer and more structured than the Sammarco. An exotic melange of dark cherries, plums, grilled herbs, cassis and new leather emerges from the glass, backed up by tons of structure. Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics and brighter shades of fruit. This is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo. The 2009 will drink well with minimum cellaring within the context of prior vintages. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Judging by this effort, I would say Rampolla nailed the vintage." Antonio Galloni

Dark, rich ruby violet. In the nose some lilac, elderberry and cassis. Well structured with opulent fruit, finely woven tannin and then an almost floating and never-ending finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Readers should do whatever they can to get their hands on a few bottles of the 2013 d'Alceo. Seamless and voluptuous in the glass, it is an epic wine that embodies all the qualities that make these terraced vineyards in Panzano so special. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, plum, licorice and spice meld together in the glass, but it is the wine's textural intensity that elevates it into the realm of the profound. The 2013 has been nothing short of moving on the two occasions I tasted it recently." Antonio Galloni

"Strawberry, plums, chocolate and green pepper frame this beautiful red. So much black currant too. Full-bodied with round, mouth-coating tannins. So much going on here." James Suckling

"Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, the 2013 d'Alceo shows an inky dark appearance with impenetrable color saturation. This is another gorgeous wine from an estate I admire deeply. The fruit intensity peels off this wine with elegance, power and intensity. With similar momentum, the wine glides clear over the palate with silky and long intensity. There are some pungent or volatile notes (similar to what you find in the other wines), but they are a plus, not a minus. They give support and intensity to the wine's persuasive aromatic performance. This wine needs more time to unwind in the cellar." Robert Parker

"Aromas of pine, wild rosemary, black currant, iron and tar hold court in this dense, inky red. The tannins run roughshod on the finish, so cellar or tame with grilled beef or lamb." Wine Spectator

Initially closed, it opens up after some time with a multi-layered bouquet of plum, black cherry, camphor and incense. On the palate, it is firm, compact and initially introverted, then mint, spices, dark red fruit, plus cassis and graphite. The taste experiences come to light in small slices; with this outstanding red wine, it is worth waiting as hardly anywhere else to be able to fully discover the depth and complexity of this Tuscan jewel. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine opens to an almost impenetrable appearance with inky black hues and unruly intensity. The power of the bouquet is driven by the ripeness of the fruit and perhaps a positive pinch of volatile acidity (just the right amount for emphasis) that adds extra lift and punch to the overall effect. Syrupy blackberry segues to smoky tar and resin. We saw impactful tannins in the 2016 Sammarco, but the 2017 d'Alceo takes that astringency one step further. The 2017 will sure take many years to reach harmony." Robert Parker

"The 2017 D'Alceo possesses mind-blowing intensity and pedigree to burn. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2017 is magnificently impressive right out of the gate. Lavender, rose petal, spice, kirsch, mint and violet lead into a core of inky dark blue/purplish berry fruit. Soft contours and suave, silky tannins give the 2017 so much immediacy, but there is plenty of cellaring potential too. In a word: epic." Vinous