Castello dei Rampolla "d'Alceo" Toscana IGT 2011
(Tuscany, Italy) - [AG 97] [JS 97] [RP 95] [WE 95] [WS 93]

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About this Wine:
D'Alceo is a single vineyard. The name is in honor of Maurizia and Luca Di Napoli’s late father Alceo, who planted the vineyard. While Sammarco is a pioneer in the Super-Tuscan establishment, Castello dei Rampolla’s d’Alceo—which debuted in 1996 as Vigna d’Alceo —has undeniably attracted greater attention. Its intense marriage of opulence and power has given it cult status, placing it in the realm of Masseto and Messorio. No other in its class achieves such a stunning and provocative expression—with a lush density that belies the wine’s serious structure. Petit Verdot's contribution—unusual in the Super-Tuscan genre—renders d'Alceo more potent than the most power-hungry of cult Cabernets, imparting a sleek and spicy dimension.

Tasting Notes
Color: Deep purple
Bouquet: Espresso, sweet melted licorice, black currant jam, tobacco and toasty oak
Flavor: Full-bodied, with refined tannins
Pairings: Perfect with game, chicken, turkey, ham, aged cheese and mushrooms

Vinification
Manual harvest of fields that have undergone no chemical treatment. The harvest follows the lunar calendar. Alcoholic fermentation is performed in barriques, skin maceration for 15-20 days for the Cabernet Sauvignon and 15-20 days for the Petit Verdot. Malolactic fermentation in barriques.

Owner: Maurizia and Luca Di Napoli
Winemaker: Giacomo Tachis
Varietals: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15 % Petit Verdot
Aging Process
The wine is blended and aged 12-15 months in barriques
Vineyard Location: Panzano
Orientation: South-Southeast
Elevation: 1,140 ft
Trellising: Alberello
Soil: Calcareous marl, rocky

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98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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." - Monica Larner (Oct 2015)

97 Points - Antonio Galloni:
"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." - (Sep 2015)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"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. Better in 2018." - (Aug 2015)


95 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (2007 Vintage):
"Smooth and structured, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot opens with intense aromas of ripe blackberry, red currant, exotic spice, menthol, blue flower and a hint of grilled bell pepper. The dense, concentrated palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, mocha, Asian spice and a hint of game alongside velvety tannins that give it a polished texture." – Kerin O'Keefe (Jun16)

93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Suave and silky, with rich black currant, blackberry and spice flavors backed by lively acidity and dusty tannins. It all hangs together beautifully, with a Bordeaux-like cast to the flavors and profile. There's intensity, without this being showy or heavy. Terrific length. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2013 through 2030. 100 cases imported." – BS (Oct 15, 2011)