FROM THE ARCHIVE (August 2011) – Tuscan Collectibles: Castello dei Rampolla d’Alceo

(Originally posted August 12, 2011)

Exactly eight years ago I was sitting in the vineyards of d’Alceo with owner Luca di Napoli on the hillsides of the Chianti Classico near the village of Panzano. I tasted the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend d’Alceo with him just outside his villa. What an inspirational wine. Take a look back, and see how he describes the wines as 'living' things.

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From 2011:

I appreciate both vintages: 2006 and 2007. This is why Castello dei Rampolla Toscana d’Alceo is my No. 9 wine in my list of the 12 Best Tuscan Collectible Wines.

Please listen to how Luca describes the d’Alceo and speaks of the energy and style of the wine. He is more than a winemaker; he is a philosopher. All his wines have positive energy and honesty. And they are from biodynamically farmed grapes.

2006 Castello dei Rampolla Toscana d’Alceo: 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. Hard not to drink, but better in three or four years. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. 95 points.

2007 Castello dei Rampolla Toscana d’Alceo : This has so much blackberry, porcini, and chestnut character. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a long finish. Love the way this changes from mushrooms and earth to blackberries. So impressive now but will be better in three or four years. 97 points.