The 2020 Castello dei Rampolla Liu is a Merlot from Tuscany, Italy. This red wine, sealed with a cork, has been well received by critics, garnering high praise for its distinctive characteristics and detailed craftsmanship.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 92, noting its vibrant fruit profile. He describes the wine as having "lots of crushed blackberries and blueberries with flowers," and indicates that it has a "medium body with fine tannins and a bright, tangy finish." Suckling recommends giving the wine a couple of years to fully open up, suggesting it be tried after 2024.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the 2020 Liu an excellent score of 94. The reviewer highlighted the wine’s precision and focus, mentioning its "bright fruit, cherry and dusty limestone" flavors. The review goes on to praise the "dusty mineral note of pencil shaving or chalkboard," calling it "especially beautiful." The wine’s production details were also noted, with 6,832 bottles and 50 magnums made, using cement and amphorae for aging.
Vinous also rated the wine at 92, emphasizing its "extreme purity." The review mentions that the aging process in 3/4 cement and 1/4 amphora helps in preserving the "tremendous purity of fruit." The wine's flavor profile includes "blueberry, spice, lavender, chocolate, and licorice," with sweet floral and spice notes adding brightness throughout.
Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a 93 score, describing it as "smooth and polished" and "simply delicious." The review by Kerin O’Keefe highlights the wine’s savory qualities, with notes of "juicy black cherry, blackberry, orange zest, and star anise" leading to a "minty finish." The wine's "lithe tannins" and "fresh acidity" contribute to its silky mouthfeel and overall brightness. O’Keefe suggests that there is no need to wait to enjoy this wine, recommending it be consumed now through 2025.
Overall, the 2020 Castello dei Rampolla Liu is a well-crafted Merlot with a vibrant fruit profile, detailed mineral notes, and a balanced structure that has been recognized by multiple reviewers for its quality and finesse.