Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco 2017

Professional Ratings

• 98 James Suckling
  Such beautiful balance and refinement to this legendary red with cherries, chocolate, walnuts, hazelnuts and autumn leaves. It’s medium to full-bodied with wonderful, creamy tannins and a persistent and complete finish. Better than the exquisite 2015? A blend of cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese and merlot. Needs three to four years to show all it has. Definitely one for the cellar.
• 96 Wine Enthusiast
  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot, this delicious, juicy red offers inviting aromas of new leather, blue flower, ripe black-skinned fruit and grilled herb. On the smooth, savory palate, tightly knit, fine-grained tannins seamlessly support fleshy black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco before closing on a mocha note. Drink through 2029. Cellar Selection.
• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a tiny part Sangiovese, the 2017 Sammarco is lush, generous and soft. This wine captures the spirit of generosity and richness that characterizes this sunny vintage. It reveals softer lines and more pliant contours compared to some of the cooler vintages of the past, and you get a generous down pouring of dark fruit, dried blackberry, cinnamon spice and cured leather or tobacco. The tannins are quite robust, but the wine also shows an immediate and accessible approach that distinguishes this growing season. You might notice that my review for the 2016 vintage is missing. That's because the 2016 vintage will be released after 2017 when that older wine has benefitted from more cellaring.
• 95 Wine Spectator

  A beam of pure cherry energizes this red, which is defined by vivid acidity. Floral, loamy earth, cocoa and sanguine notes add depth as the muscular tannins take hold on the finish. This has the goods, but just needs time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2043.