Castello dei Rampolla “Sammarco” 2011
Region: Chianti, Toscana, Italy
95 pts James Suckling (Aug 2015):
Aromas of tar, chilis, raspberries and dark chocolate follow through to a full body with super velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Need three years to soften. Another superb blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon from the organic estate in Panzano.
94 pts Wine Advocate (Oct 2015):
The fullness and generosity here is absolutely amazing. The 2011 Sammarco is one of the protagonists of this vintage. In fact, I think Sammarco represents the hot 2011 growing season better than any other wine from the Chianti Classico area. The bend this year is 94% Sangiovese with 6% Merlot (the breakdown between the two grapes is usually 90-10) and the wine is fermented with ambient yeasts. The bouquet is beautifully redolent of dark berry fruit, soft spice, licorice and cola. The wine's overall elegance and length are both impressive.
95 pts Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, October 2015:
The 2011 Sammarco is so youthful it almost tastes like a barrel sample! Dark, rich and inviting, the 2011 possesses notable concentration and depth, with round yet powerful tannins and a surprising level of freshness for the year. A host of black cherry, graphite, smoke, plum and lavender notes accompany the powerful finish. It will be quite some time before the 2011 is ready to drink, but there is plenty to look forward to.