2015 Castello dei Rampolla d'Alceo

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot

Culinary Suggestions: Hard cheeses or grilled meats

Vineyard Practice: Biodynamic

About

The Castello dei Rampolla estate has a long and storied history, dating back to 1739 when the land was first acquired by the Rampolla family. However, it was not until the mid-1960s that the family's winemaking ambitions took flight under the leadership of Alceo di Napoli Rampolla. He dreamed of creating a wine of greatness, and in 1975, the first bottles of Chianti Classico were produced on the estate.

At that time, Chianti Classico was facing challenges in establishing itself as a respected wine region. But Alceo had a vision, and with the guidance of renowned winemaker Giacomo Tachis, he made a bold move to plant Cabernet Sauvignon on the estate and blend it with Sangiovese - a groundbreaking decision that marked the first of many revolutions for Castello dei Rampolla.

With each vintage, the estate continues to build upon its legacy of innovation and excellence, always pushing the boundaries and elevating the art of winemaking.

Tasting Notes

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. 

97 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media July 2019

Drink: 2025 - 2040

Potent, intense, thunderous Cabernet. Red and black fruit, liquorice, dried herbs and flowers, saddle leather, vanilla, char and ink. It’s sweetly fruited, yet deeply savoury, a wall of almost chewy tannin, distinct Italianate bitterness and verve, and a very long ripe finish, dark chocolate, tobacco and the like in the aftertaste, plus a lasting impression of sweet dark cherry. Feels like a wine that’s made for late nights, much later on.

96+ points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front March 2020

Drink: 2025 - 2036+

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!

95 points - jamessuckling.com November 2019