1997 Castello dei Rampolla Vigna d'Alceo

Rampolla's 1997 Vigna d'Alceo is a little more forward and voluptuous than the 1996. Dark red fruit, smoke, tobacco and anise all flesh out in the glass. Incredibly, the 1997 shows tons of Sangiovese-inflected nuances as it opens up in the glass. In keeping with the style of the year, the 1997 is a wine of pure texture. It should drink well for another decade, if not longer.