2016 Castello dei Rampolla D’Alceo
Tuscany, Italy
A rich and powerful yet elegant "Super Tuscan" Cabernet blend from one of the top vineyard sites in Chianti. Immense and captivating.
$288.00
The immense power of the wine rumbles and trembles in the glass.
96 Points - Monica Larner (Wine Advocate)
About the Wine
The "Super Tuscan" has been one of the most polarising developments in the world of wine. While Australians are accustomed to seeing a broad variety of grapes grown even within one region, things are not so simple in many European, "Old World" countries. The term "Super Tuscan" refers to a red wine made in Tuscany that contains non-indigenous grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah.
Castello dei Rampolla's approach to the D'Alceo has changed over the years; they now use less new oak in an attempt to shine the spotlight on the fruit. It's a big, bold and utterly captivating wine that will continue to develop marvellously in bottle for many years.
About Castello Dei Rampolla
Castello dei Rampolla is a 100-acre estate in Santa Lucia in Faulle, in the valley of the “Conca d’Oro”, south of Panzano in Chianti. According to Christian and Orthodox tradition it bears the name of a Saint who came there around the time of the winter solstice, so as to bring light and life to the Earth.
It has been owned by the Di Napoli Rampolla family since the beginning of the 18th century. They have cultivated their vineyards biodynamically since 1994 and strive to produce great wines that reflect the philosophy of the winery and the place they come from.
Chianti, Italy
From the Producer
“D’Alceo” fully reflects the character of the vineyard from which it originates. It is intense, warm, refined and elegant. Well-ripened red fruits blend perfectly with delicate notes of cigar and tobacco – an amazing concentration with no heaviness.
We are not talking simply about a wine, but about the personality of a vineyard planted by Alceo, who could not have guessed to what degree of excellence his combination of vines and land, was going to arrive.
The average production is 6000 – 12000 bottles.
Blend : Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Petit Verdot (15%)
ABV : 14.5%
Closure : Cork
Drink Until : 2040
Bottle Size : 750ml
Chianti, Italy
Critic Reviews
"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. Drink 2022 - 2040." - Monica Larner (Wine Advocate)
"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." - Antonio Galloni (Vinous)
"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. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2024." - JamesSuckling.com
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