2019 Castello dei Rampolla 'Liu' Toscana IGT
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape: Merlot
Culinary Suggestions: Hard Cheeses, Roast Lamb, Steak
Vineyard Practice: Biodynamic
Overview
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.
Critic Reviews
95 points
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Love this wine. Earth, new leather, black olives, blueberry and fresh blackberry, with a dried flower perfume above. Medium-bodied, thick with brushed suede tannin, plum and earth, and again that floral perfume wafting about. It has fairly fresh acidity, but it’s all about those terracotta tannins and slightly wild ‘natural’ feel. Finish is long with rugged grip. Such presence and character here.
Drink: 2023 - 2030+
94 points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
The 2019 Merlot Liu' is another outrageously beautiful wine from Rampolla. Deep, inky and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous energy to match its purity of fruit. Blueberry, spice, leather, menthol and espresso build into the potent, tannic finish. Readers will find a serious Merlot packed with fruit and structure. Rampolla planted Merlot in 2000 and 2003 to soften Sammarco, but the vines turned out to be more productive than expected, giving birth to the Liu'. The 2019 was aged in cement and terracotta. I am not entirely sure how the Liu' will mature, but I also doubt that will be much a concern for the vast majority of readers.
Drink: 2022 - 2034
94+ points
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
The Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Liù is a relatively new wine (the first vintage made was the 2018) and a pure expression of Merlot. The wine is generously endowed with lots of fruit flavor and a distinctive punchiness that adds a bright and lifted quality to the bouquet. It sports a mid-weight approach with plenty of summer fresh cherry, plum and other purple fruits. It's hard not to feel immediately attracted to this wine, especially given its very vivid and bright personality. You'll have a lot of fun drinking Liù straight out of the gate or likewise waiting for it to complete its bottle evolution.
Drink: 2022 - 2038