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 2020 Chianti Classico is brilliant. Vibrant and deep, with striking inner perfume, the 2020 dazzles with gorgeous inner aromas and fine balance. There's good depth and texture, but perhaps not quite the excitement of the best years. April was especially challenging for Sangiovese, which lowered yields considerably." Vinous

"A classic Chianti Classico with plums, strawberries and peaches on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a long, linear finish with brightness and focus. Juicy finish." James Suckling

Trebianco ist ein goldgelber und im Clayver (keramisches Weinfass) ausgebauter sogenannter "Natural/Orange Wine" aus Chardonnay, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc und Trebbiano. Im anfangs reduktiven Bouquet Anklänge von süßem Tabak, Muskatnuss, Leder, Honig, Orangenschale und würzigen Kräutern. Am Gaumen frisch mit einer vibrierenden Säure. Hinweis: Der Wein ist ungeschwefelt, unfiltriert und faszinierend speziell. Eine oxidative Note und auch Trubstoffe im Wein stellen keinen Qualitätsmangel dar. 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

Diese ohne Sulfit-Zusatz abgefüllte Sangiovese-Rarität wird nur in den besten Jahrgängen produziert und reift 16 Monate im Cocciopesto, ein Gefäß, welches aus gemahlenem Ziegel, feinem Stein, Sand und Naturfaserbindemittel hergestellt wird. Diese Mischung kann dann zu Gefäßen geformt werden, die wasserdicht sind, aber dennoch eine Mikro-Oxygenierung zulassen. Die eigentliche Besonderheit der Weingehälter aus Cocciopesto liegt im Material selbst, das sich durch eine hohe thermische Trägheit und eine gewisse Durchlässigkeit auszeichnet, dass es für alle Phasen, von der Weinbereitung bis zur Reifung, optimal ist.

Kompakte Farbe, fruchtiges, leicht animalisches Bouquet nach Erdbeere, Kirsche, Karamell und Schwarzbrot. Sehr saftig am Gaumen, mit ausreichender Belüftung ein puristischer und zugleich außerordentlich schmackhafter Genuss. Die Produktionsmenge beträgt gerade einmal 2.400 Flaschen. SUPERIORE.DE

"Leuchtendes Rubin mit einem Tropfen Violett. In der Nase zunächst Nuancen von Rumtopf, dann nach Bitterschokolade und Sauerkirschen. Am Gaumen mit frischer Frucht und herzhaft-griffigem Tannin, breitet sich bestimmend aus, im Nachklang dann leider etwas nachzehrend." 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

Seit Jahrgang 2018 wurde bei Rampolla erstmals eine kleine Menge Merlot separat vinifiziert, benannt nach der Mutter Donna Liù. Der unfiltrierte Wein wurde 12 Monate in der Terracotta-Amphore ausgebaut und ist fast auf 0 g/l Restzucker durchgegoren. Sehr elegante, frische Nase nach Sauerkirsche, Lorbeer und Cassis. Am Gaumen frisch und ohne die zum Teil überbordende Opulenz manch anderer toskanischer Merlots, mit einer präzisen Kirschfrucht und salzig-minziger Komponente. Ein fein-ziselierter Merlot und in puncto Frische, Klarheit und Persönlichkeit kaum zu überbieten. Er schließt wunderbar die Brücke zwischen dem Chianti Classico und den beiden Flaggschiffen des Hauses, Sammarco und d'Alceo. Braucht noch einige Jahre Flaschenreife. 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

"Bright and pure, this red exudes raspberry, cherry, floral and earth aromas and flavors. Elegant and alluring, offering fine balance and a long, fruit-filled aftertaste, with a hint of tobacco peeking through." Wine Spectator

"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

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 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." VINOUS

"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

Sammarco 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

"Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and redcurrants with violets and rosemary follow through to a medium body with fine, tense tannins and an intense, minerally finish. Racy and polished at the end. Long-lasting." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sammarco is brilliant. Bright and explosive, with tons of linear drive, the 2018 is exceptionally polished. Cabernet Sauvignon is up to 80% of the blend, and that very much comes through in a wine endowed with tremendous purity. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint and blood orange all race across the palate. I love the freshness here." Vinous

Seit Jahrgang 2018 wurde bei Rampolla erstmals eine kleine Menge Merlot separat vinifiziert, benannt nach der Mutter Donna Liù. Der unfiltrierte Wein wurde 12 Monate in der Terracotta-Amphore ausgebaut und ist fast auf 0 g/l Restzucker durchgegoren. Sehr elegante, frische Nase nach Sauerkirsche, Lorbeer und Cassis. Am Gaumen frisch und ohne die zum Teil überbordende Opulenz manch anderer toskanischer Merlots, mit einer präzisen Kirschfrucht und salzig-minziger Komponente. Ein fein-ziselierter Merlot und in puncto Frische, Klarheit und Persönlichkeit kaum zu überbieten. Er schließt wunderbar die Brücke zwischen dem Chianti Classico und den beiden Flaggschiffen des Hauses, Sammarco und d'Alceo. Braucht noch einige Jahre Flaschenreife. 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

"Bright and pure, this red exudes raspberry, cherry, floral and earth aromas and flavors. Elegant and alluring, offering fine balance and a long, fruit-filled aftertaste, with a hint of tobacco peeking through." Wine Spectator

"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 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." VINOUS

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. D'Alceo ist jedes Jahr ein umwerfend attraktiver Wein, der mit französischer Eleganz und internationalem Flair vor allem sein Chianti-Terroir überzeugend vertritt. 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

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." VINOUS

"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

D'Alceo ist jedes Jahr ein umwerfend attraktiver Wein, 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

"Würziges Bouquet nach Waldbeeren, Gewürzen, Kräutern; kerniger Auftakt mit kraftvollem Tannin, die Säure perfekt eingebunden, viel Charakter und Saft bis ins ellenlange Finish. Ein Verführer, trotz seiner Muskeln und Fülle." 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

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." VINOUS

"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 brachte einen d'Alceo von bemerkenswerter Tiefe und Reinheit hervor. Ähnlich 2010 präsentiert er sich anfangs verschlossen, nach gewisser Zeit öffnet er sich mit einem vielschichtigen Bouquet von Pflaume, Schwarzkirsche, Kampfer und Weihrauch. Am Gaumen fest, kompakt und anfangs in sich gekehrt, danach dann Minze, Gewürze, dunkle rote Frucht, dazu Cassis und Graphit. Die Geschmackserlebnisse kommen eher scheibchenweise zutage, bei diesem überragenden Roten lohnt es sich wie kaum woanders zu warten, um die Tiefe und Komplexität dieses toskanischen Juwels vollends entdecken zu können. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sattes, undurchdringliches Rubinviolett. Eröffnet mit leicht rauchigen Noten, dann satt nach Holunderbeeren, Cassis und Lakritze. Kleidet den Gaumen satt aus, viel präsente Frucht, öffnet sich mit herzhaftem, zupackendem Tannin in vielen Schichten, im Finale feine erdige Noten, süßer Schmelz." 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

Anfangs verschlossen, öffnet er sich nach gewisser Zeit mit einem vielschichtigen Bouquet von Pflaume, Schwarzkirsche, Kampfer und Weihrauch. Am Gaumen fest, kompakt und anfangs in sich gekehrt, danach dann Minze, Gewürze, dunkle rote Frucht, dazu Cassis und Graphit. Die Geschmackserlebnisse kommen eher scheibchenweise zutage, bei diesem überragenden Roten lohnt es sich wie kaum woanders zu warten, um die Tiefe und Komplexität dieses toskanischen Juwels vollends entdecken zu können. 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

Sammarco 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

"Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and redcurrants with violets and rosemary follow through to a medium body with fine, tense tannins and an intense, minerally finish. Racy and polished at the end. Long-lasting." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sammarco is brilliant. Bright and explosive, with tons of linear drive, the 2018 is exceptionally polished. Cabernet Sauvignon is up to 80% of the blend, and that very much comes through in a wine endowed with tremendous purity. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint and blood orange all race across the palate. I love the freshness here." Vinous

Langsam öffnet sich sein vielschichtiges Bouquet nach Gewürzen, schwarzer Olive, Rosmarin, Pflaume und Kirsche. Am Gaumen fest, kompakt und anfangs in sich gekehrt, danach dann Minze, Gewürze, dunkle rote Frucht, dazu Cassis und Graphit. Die Geschmackserlebnisse kommen eher scheibchenweise zutage, bei diesem überragenden Roten lohnt es sich wie kaum woanders zu warten, um die Tiefe und Komplexität dieses toskanischen Juwels vollends entdecken zu können. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of blackcurrant and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish. Lots of black licorice, aniseed and light asphalt. Lead pencil, too. Try after 2025." James Suckling

"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." Vinous

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." VINOUS

Anfangs verschlossen, öffnet er sich nach gewisser Zeit mit einem vielschichtigen Bouquet von Pflaume, Schwarzkirsche, Kampfer und Weihrauch. Am Gaumen fest, kompakt und anfangs in sich gekehrt, danach dann Minze, Gewürze, dunkle rote Frucht, dazu Cassis und Graphit. Die Geschmackserlebnisse kommen eher scheibchenweise zutage, bei diesem überragenden Roten lohnt es sich wie kaum woanders zu warten, um die Tiefe und Komplexität dieses toskanischen Juwels vollends entdecken zu können. 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

Langsam öffnet sich sein vielschichtiges Bouquet nach Gewürzen, schwarzer Olive, Rosmarin, Pflaume und Kirsche. Am Gaumen fest, kompakt und anfangs in sich gekehrt, danach dann Minze, Gewürze, dunkle rote Frucht, dazu Cassis und Graphit. Die Geschmackserlebnisse kommen eher scheibchenweise zutage, bei diesem überragenden Roten lohnt es sich wie kaum woanders zu warten, um die Tiefe und Komplexität dieses toskanischen Juwels vollends entdecken zu können. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of blackcurrant and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish. Lots of black licorice, aniseed and light asphalt. Lead pencil, too. Try after 2025." James Suckling

"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." Vinous