Winemaker Notes
Pairs well with game, red meats and aged cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
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.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
Rating: 94+ -
Wine Spectator
Ripe, sweet cherry and blackberry fruit is augmented by baking spices, thyme and graphite in this compact, dense red. Muscular tannins lend a chunky feel, but this finishes long and balanced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2018 through 2027. 200 cases imported.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.