One of the unquestioned highlights in this tasting, the 2003 d'Alceo is simply stunning. The personality of this dry, torrid vintage comes through in the wine's power and voluptuousness, but at the same time, the 2003 boasts phenomenal balance. Ideally, the 2003 needs at least another few years to drop some of its baby although it will always be opulent. Tertiary notes are just beginning to develop in a d'Alceo that has developed even better than I envisioned six years ago when I first tasted it.

Castello dei Rampolla’s 2003 D’Alceo (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot) is another ripe, powerful wine packed with layers of super-ripe, opulent fruit, graphite, licorice and tar supported by a firm, classic structure that will require time to fully come together. It is sweeter and riper than the Sammarco, and its more supple personality works well to balance the wine’s structural components. As with the 2004s, the D’Alceo seems to have a slight edge in terms of its overall balance. The 2003 is a stunning effort. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

Very ripe and rich, almost cooked. Plum, raisin and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with a long, chewy finish. A bit loosely knit. Best after 2007. 1,185 cases made.