2016 d'Alceo, Castello dei Rampolla, Tuscany, Italy

The Castello dei Rampolla 2016 d'Alceo is an extra dark and brooding expression of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot in a supporting role. The wine sits firmly on the palate, imparting weight, staying power and extra heat. In fact, some sort of bistecca alla Fiorentina or otherwise succulent grilled meat pairing is what comes immediately to mind. The immense power of the wine rumbles and trembles in the glass, figuratively speaking, revealing dried blackberry, prune and black cherry confit. This 2016 vintage shows impressive clarity and focus both on the nose and in the mouth.This set of new releases from Castello dei Rampolla shares a common theme of ripeness, fruit-forward succulence and alcoholic warmth that runs through most of the wines, regardless of vintage (2016, 2017 and 2018).Drink 2022 - 2040monica_larner, Wine Advocate (September 2020)