Castello dei Rampolla

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla und ihr Bruder Luca bezeichnen ihre Strategie des naturnahen Weinbaus als "sanfte Landwirtschaft". Der sehr gelungene Chianti Classico mit sauberem Fruchtbouquet, präzisem Geschmack und festem Tannin ist ein jedes Jahr streng limitierter Hochgenuss. (superiore.de)

"The 2016 Chianti Classico impresses for the heightened level of vibrant freshness and aromatic precision that distinguishes it in a large playing field. Proprietor Maurizia di Napoli tells me that the 2016 growing season was not without its ups and downs. Farming was difficult, and not all sites came to ripeness with the same consistency because it was cooler toward the end of the growing season. Castello dei Rampolla avoids the use of sulfites in winemaking. However, these results are stunning, especially as this is positioned as a more affordable wine." Robert Parker

Hochkarätiger Roter aus überwiegend Cabernet Sauvignon mit unverkennbar toskanischen Wurzeln glänzt mit reifem Fruchtbouquet und Aromen von grüner Paprika, Leder und einem Hauch Kräuterwürze. Solide wirkt der Geschmack, in dem das knackige Tannin hervorragend in die mächtige Struktur eingegliedert ist. Grandioser Genuss, der sich weit ausbreitet und bis in das lange Finale steigert. (superiore.de)

"The fullness and generosity here is absolutely amazing. The 2011 Sammarco is one of the protagonists of this vintage. In fact, I think Sammarco represents the hot 2011 growing season better than any other wine from the Chianti Classico area. The bouquet is beautifully redolent of dark berry fruit, soft spice, licorice and cola. The wine's overall elegance and length are both impressive." Robert Parker

"The 2011 Sammarco is so youthful it almost tastes like a barrel sample! Dark, rich and inviting, the 2011 possesses notable concentration and depth, with round yet powerful tannins and a surprising level of freshness for the year. A host of black cherry, graphite, smoke, plum and lavender notes accompany the powerful finish. It will be quite some time before the 2011 is ready to drink, but there is plenty to look forward to." Antonio Galloni

"Aromas of tar, chilis, raspberries and dark chocolate follow through to a full body with super velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Need three years to soften." James Suckling

Hochkarätiger Roter aus überwiegend Cabernet Sauvignon mit unverkennbar toskanischen Wurzeln glänzt mit reifem Fruchtbouquet und Aromen von grüner Paprika, Leder und einem Hauch Kräuterwürze. Solide wirkt der Geschmack, in dem das knackige Tannin hervorragend in die mächtige Struktur eingegliedert ist. Grandioser Genuss, der sich weit ausbreitet und bis in das lange Finale steigert. (superiore.de)

"The 2012 Sammarco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. Like with the d'Alceo, this hot vintage does not deliver the same soaring intensity and complexity as seen in past years. It shows added softness and succulence instead. The bouquet is driven by sweet fruit and dried berry aromas that underline the warm vintage. Allspice, clove and more sweet fruit appear on the close." Robert Parker

"Very perfumed with black currant and cassis bush character. Medium to full body, fine and chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Still a little tight but fun to taste now." James Suckling

Intensives Rubin mit leichtem Violettschimmer. In der Nase ein reifes Fruchtbouquet mit Johannisbeeren, Brombeeren und Kirschen. Würzige Aromen nach Leder und etwas Paprika. Sehr saftig mit salzig-mineralischen Untertönen und einem griffigen Tannin und guter Länge. Ein komplexer Toskaner, wie er im Buche steht. (superiore.de)

"The 2013 Sammarco is a stunning wine. Super-expressive aromatics make a strong opening statement in a wine endowed with myriad dimensions of nuance and complexity. The 2013 is deep and fleshy, with generous fruit, beautifully integrated tannins and exceptional finesse. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle of this any time soon, though, as it seems likely to age at a glacial pace." Antonio Galloni

"Wines from the Castello dei Rampolla property show an impressive and especially chiseled quality that gives them a very direct and immediate quality. These are frank and honest wines that stay true to the identity set forth years ago at this historic estate. They stay the course, so to speak. The 2013 Sammarco is Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Merlot that tastes nothing like the many blended Bordeaux-inspired reds you find in this part of Italy. Instead, the wine is all-Tuscan in its appeal, with sun-drenched cherry, Mediterranean herb and a pretty balsam note that recalls the thick underbrush and woods of the Chianti Classico countryside. This vintage soars in intensity and beauty." Robert Parker

"A complex wine with cherries, strawberries, black currants and hot stones. So clean and precise. Full body, firm tannins, high acidity and a long and fresh finish. Tight. Still needs some time." James Suckling

"A polished, blackberry- and black currant–infused red, with accents of wild herbs and spice, this is both saturated, intense and racy. All the elements are in the correct proportions, this just needs time to express itself fully." Wine Spectator

Der Sammarco aus Cabernet Sauvignon und einem kleinen Zusatz aus Sangiovese und Merlot zeigt sich kraftvoll auf allen Ebenen. Intensiv purpurfarben, umwerfender Duft mit blumiger Veilchennote und konzentrierten Johannisbeer- und Blaubeeraromen. Entwaffnend am Gaumen, reich, super proportioniert und lang. Wow! (superiore.de)

"There's a wonderful purity of fruit to this young red with blueberry and cherry character. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

"Intensives Rubin mit leichtem Violettschimmer, funkelt. Sehr einprägsame, duftige Nase, nach Schwarzen Johannisbeeren, Brombeeren und dunklen Kirschen, im Hintergrund leicht würzige Noten. Spielt am Gaumen schön auf, präsentiert sich mit viel saftiger Frucht, unterlegt von salzig-mineralischen Komponenten, dichtes Tannin, im Nachhall viel Tabak." Falstaff

"The 2009 Sammarco will thrill Rampolla fans who have some of the more structured vintages aging in the cellar. Layered and expressive, the 2009 is wonderfully open today. Grilled herbs, tar, licorice, black cherries and currants meld together in thise seamless, voluptuous wine. I don't think I have ever tasted such a succulent, young Sammarco that delivers so much pleasure at this early stage. The recent increase in Merlot has done wonders to make Sammarco more accessible at a young age than in the past. This is a dazzling effort." Antonio Galloni

Vigna d'Alceo '09 ist ein Cabernet Sauvignon mit geringem Anteil Petit Verdot der Extraklasse. Im Bouquet üppige, saubere Fruchtaromen. Beeindruckend seine Harmonie, kraftstrotzend und doch mit viel Eleganz. Ein formvollendeter Tropfen mit Wertsteigerungspotenzial! (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

"Leuchtendes, sattes Rubinviolett. Eröffnet in der Nase mit rauchig-mineralischen Noten, dann viel pralle Frucht, nach Holunderbeeren und Brombeeren, einladend. Zeigt sich am Gaumens geschliffen, öffnet sich mit viel feinmaschigem, sattem Tannin, baut sich lange auf, viel saftige Frucht, satter Druck im 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

Einer der seit Jahrzehnten unumstrittenen Spitzenweine der Region, der mit französischer Eleganz und internationalem Flair vor allem sein Chianti-Terroir überzeugend vertritt. Konzentrierte Farbe, weiter, komplexer Duft, der von lieblichen Beerenaromen zu zart-würzigen Nelken- und Zimtnuancen und schließlich zu sehr frischen Mentholakzenten wechselt. Beinahe cremig in seiner weichen Art der gehaltvolle, ausschweifende Geschmack. (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

Einer der seit Jahrzehnten unumstrittenen Spitzenweine der Region, der mit französischer Eleganz und internationalem Flair vor allem sein Chianti-Terroir überzeugend vertritt. Konzentrierte Farbe, weiter, komplexer Duft, der von lieblichen Beerenaromen zu zart-würzigen Nelken- und Zimtnuancen und schließlich zu sehr frischen Mentholakzenten wechselt. Beinahe cremig in seiner weichen Art der gehaltvolle, ausschweifende Geschmack. (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

Dunkles, sattes Rubinviolett. In der Nase etwas Flieder, Holunderbeere und Cassis. Gut strukturiert mit opulenter Frucht, fein gewebtem Tannin und anschließend ein fast schon schwebender und nicht enden wollender Abgang. (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

Der d'Alceo aus Traubenmaterial erster Güte imponiert Jahr für Jahr mit seiner Harmonie und Eleganz, seiner Reinheit und Komplexität - ein wunderbarer Cabernet Sauvignon von Rebstöcken mit stark begrenztem Ertrag, sorgfältig ausgelesenen Trauben und vor allem mit viel Feingefühl vinifiziert. (superiore.de)

"The 2006 d’Alceo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is a much tighter-wound wine than the Sammarco but it also seems to be holding back a lot more sheer density in reserve. Full-bodied, rich and monstrously tannic at this stage, it doesn’t taste too different than it did when I first sampled it from tank in November 2006! The wine possesses dazzling inner perfume, refined tannins that need time to emerge and exceptional overall balance. It is a fabulous effort from Rampolla." Robert Parker

"Shows beautiful aromas and flavors of currant, toasty oak, tobacco and licorice. Full and very polished, with a wonderful finish. A gorgeous young wine. Layered and structured." Wine Spectator

"D'Alceo is a drop dead gorgeous wine that oozes intensity, blackness, fruitiness, exotic spice and smoke. In the mouth, this beautifully executed super Tuscan is about as rich, smooth and opulent as they come. You'll love the lingering notes of mature berry, chocolate and espresso that drive the long, smooth finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich and dark fruits with blackberries and fresh herbs on the nose. What intensity. Full-bodied with firm tannins and a spicy finish. Very powerful at the finish. Goes on and on. So much dark fruit here. Wonderful character." James Suckling

Vigna d'Alceo '09 ist ein Cabernet Sauvignon mit geringem Anteil Petit Verdot der Extraklasse. Im Bouquet üppige, saubere Fruchtaromen. Beeindruckend seine Harmonie, kraftstrotzend und doch mit viel Eleganz. Ein formvollendeter Tropfen mit Wertsteigerungspotenzial! (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

"Leuchtendes, sattes Rubinviolett. Eröffnet in der Nase mit rauchig-mineralischen Noten, dann viel pralle Frucht, nach Holunderbeeren und Brombeeren, einladend. Zeigt sich am Gaumens geschliffen, öffnet sich mit viel feinmaschigem, sattem Tannin, baut sich lange auf, viel saftige Frucht, satter Druck im 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

Dunkles, sattes Rubinviolett. In der Nase etwas Flieder, Holunderbeere und Cassis. Gut strukturiert mit opulenter Frucht, fein gewebtem Tannin und anschließend ein fast schon schwebender und nicht enden wollender Abgang. (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