2009 Vigna D'Alceo

The 2009 D'Alceo is quite a bit firmer and more structured than the Sammarco. An exotic melange of dark cherries, plums, grilled herbs, cassis and new leather emerges from the glass, backed up by tons of structure. Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics and brighter shades of fruit. This is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo. The 2009 will drink well with minimum cellaring within the context of prior vintages. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Judging by this effort, I would say Rampolla nailed the vintage.

The 2009 D’Alceo is a potent, tannic wine. At nearly fifteen years of age, the 2009 comes across as quite structured. Beams of tannin wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, iron, white pepper, pomegranate, spice and dried flowers. Time in the glass reveals myriad shades of dimension. The decision to pick on the early side paid off handsomely. The 2009 spent about 20 months in French oak, about 1/3rd new. It’s a terrific wine for a very warm year that I remember vividly from having spent time in Panzano over the summer. Give this a good bit of air.