2019 Castello dei Rampolla 'Sammarco'. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot. Tuscany, ITALY. 750ml.
Sammarco is a very fresh wine with fine aromas of woodland undergrowth and a deep, intense colour.
It is characterised by distinct aromas of ripe fruit and has a strong concentration of powerful tannins.
Fermented 3 months in concrete tanks before spending 12-15 months in tonneaux and oak barrels with medium to no toast. Finally, 18-24 months age in bottle before release.
Gosh, what a lightning bolt here. Cabernet (mostly) with Merlot and Sangiovese, and outdoing Bordeaux here. Proper stuff.
The quality is here, the tannins the main talking point all Italianate and serious, sinewy, puckering and refreshing – hold that in mind. Dark cherry, black olive, bitter chocolate, dried seaweed, a touch of truffle, some aniseed and lots of dried herbs. So Italian, so cabernet! It’s got huge energy and tension, finesse, persistence and a touch of ferrous earthiness. In a light frame! How? This is a serious, structured, brilliant wine. Right on. - MIKE Bennie, WINEFRONT.
