Rampolla’s 2005 D’Alceo was awaiting imminent bottling when I tasted it. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, it offers up sweet herbs, red fruits and spices with modest structure and complexity relative to the estate’s finest wines. The wine may come together even more in bottle, but this is likely to remain a very modest D’Alceo. To be released in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Sadly there are only 1,600 bottles of this wine, none of which are earmarked for the US market.I can’t think of too many places where 2005 was more challenging than Castello dei Rampolla. Losses were so severe that the estate didn’t even bother to harvest a portion of their vineyards. Production is significantly down from normal levels. Rampolla did make their top selections, but production of the D’Alceo is so reduced that the wine won’t be shipped to the US. These are commendable efforts for the vintage but they show the inevitable effects of the growing season.Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Displays currant and blackberry aromas, with hints of new oak. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and wonderful fruit. Long and caressing. Polished and pretty. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Not imported into the U.S. Best after 2011. 1,500 cases made. -JS