1996 Vigna D'Alceo
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Vigna d'Alceo is just beginning to show the earliest signs of tertiary complexity. Licorice, smoke, underbrush, menthol, plums and dark cherries all flesh out in this beautifully layered, sumptuous Vigna d'Alceo. With some air, the 1996 can be enjoyed today, but it also has the stuffing to age well for another 15-20 years. What a great showing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
In 1996, Castello dei Rampolla produced an extremely limited production (about 200 cases) Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petite Verdot blend called Vigna d'Alceo. This terrific wine bears more than a passing resemblance to a top-class Medoc. The opaque purple color is followed by gobs of toasty new oak, and jammy cassis fruit intermixed with minerals, spice, and cedar. Medium-bodied, with outstanding purity and concentration, exceptional harmony, and moderately high tannin, this is a promising, seriously-endowed wine for readers with the patience to wait 4-5 years. It should keep for two decades.
A new wine from Rampolla, potentially the Château Mouton-Rothschild of Tuscany. A fabulous, superbly structured red, overflowing with black currant, lead pencil and mint aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of ripe fruit and spearmint. Gorgeous. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best after 2004. 830 cases made.