Lot 160
CASTELLO DEI RAMPOLLA VIGNA D'ALCEO 1999 (1) 99 WA
CASTELLO DEI RAMPOLLA VIGNA D’ALCEO 2000 (1) 98 WA
ISOLE E OLENA CEPARELLO 2007 (2) 96 WA
Lot 160 Details
CASTELLO DEI RAMPOLLA VIGNA D'ALCEO 1999 (1)
Tuscany.
u. bn.
The monumental 1999 Vigna d'Alceo is a 20,000-bottle cuvee of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese aged in oak. It boasts an exceptionally provocative nose of liquid minerals, graphite, plums, creme de cassis, and cherry liqueur. It is fabulously concentrated yet remarkably light on its feet, with medium to full body, sweet tannin, and layer upon layer of flavor nuances. There is plenty of glycerin in this rich, but neither heavy nor overbearing effort. This is a thrilling tour de force! However, it requires cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. Bravo! October 2001 WA 99
CASTELLO DEI RAMPOLLA VIGNA D’ALCEO 2000 (1)
Tuscany.
For whatever reason, the full-bodied 2000 Vigna d'Alceo was roaring the day I tasted it. A single vineyard blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese, it tastes like the Sammarco on steroids. It boasts a deep purple color in addition to scents of espresso, sweet melted licorice, black currant jam, and toasty oak. There is great intensity, superb purity, and a finish that lingers for nearly a minute. This mythical wine requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and will age effortlessly for two decades. December 2002 Drink: 2004-2022 WA 98
ISOLE E OLENA CEPARELLO 2007 (2)
Tuscany.
The 2007 Cepparello comes across as rich, round and totally seductive in this tasting. Stylistically, it shares many attributes with the 1990 and 1997, although in my view it is more elegant than those wines. There is an immediacy about the 2007 that is highly appealing, and which will make the wine accessible relatively early. Layers of fruit build beautifully to an exciting crescendo of aromas and flavors. This is an undeniably sexy Cepparello. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. June 2012 WA 96