Wine Spectator, Oct 07
($240) Displays gorgeous, focused
aromas of blackberry, currant and sandalwood. Full-bodied and tightly wound, with
velvety tannins and a long finish of mineral, light fresh rosemary and currant.
Solid as a rock. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. 96 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, June 2007
The 2004 D’Alceo (85% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot) is even better. It is deceptively rounder and softer
than the Sammarco in its expression of cassis, minerals, licorice and sweet, dark
fruit. Despite the lushness of its fruit there is plenty of structure lurking underneath,
and it will require significant patience before offering its finest drinking. It
is one of the highlights of the vintage. High-density vineyards, biodynamic
farming and low yields are the hallmarks of the wines of Castello dei Rampolla,
located in the prestigious Conca d’Oro in Panzano. Despite its elegant name Castello
di Rampolla is a small, family-run property with a decidedly artisanal approach
to working in both the vineyards and the cellar. The estate produces big, concentrated
wines with imposing tannic structures that have proven to be extremely ageworthy. 95
points |
