Wine Advisor
Castello Dei Rampolla, d'Alceo Toscana 2001
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Description
“D’Alceo” fully reflects the character of the vineyard from which it originates. It is intense, warm, refined and elegant. Well-ripened red fruits blend perfectly with delicate notes of cigar and tobacco – an amazing concentration with no heaviness.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Daniel Thomases
There can be few doubts that the 2001 D’Alceo is one of the greatest wines in the distinguished history of the estate, something which becomes immediately evident from the deep ruby color as well as the sweet, focused, and weighty nose with its important notes of ripe berry fruit, sage, rosemary, and classy oak. Rich, dense, deep, and layered, the sensual and potent palate is sheer joy, the maximum in fused power and elegance. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
About the Producer
Castello dei Rampolla was founded in 1956, however the history of its owners, the Napoli Rampolla family, dates back on this site to 1739. The estate is based in the hilltop town of Panzano, and is famed for the Conca d’Oro (golden basin) – an outstanding natural amphitheatre composed of the village’s hillsides, neighbouring Fontodi. It was under the stewardship of Alceo di Napoli Rampolla in the second half of the twentieth century that Castello dei Rampolla began to make a name for itself. Having been inspired by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta – the legendary creator of Sassicaia – Alceo decided to attempt his own Bordeaux style wine with Cabernet Sauvignon. He recruited the help of world famous consultant oenologist Giacomo Tachis and soon enough Castello dei Rampolla’s ability to incarnate Bordeaux blends in Tuscany pushed the estate into the spotlight. Their wine, Sammarco, became a superstar in the Castello dei Rampolla collection, despite criticism from Chianti Classico traditionalists in the region.
