2011 Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco

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.

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.

Rampolla have another gem on their hands with the 2011 Sammarco, which I tasted from tank just before bottling. Voluptuous, sexy and immensely appealing, the 2011 wraps around the palate and never lets up with a rich tapestry of aromas and flavors. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and minerals meld together in the glass. The 2011 is remarkable for so many reasons. In a vintage in which so many wines are over-ripe and cooked, the 2011 impresses for its freshness, vibrancy and overall balance. Here, too, the decision to pick a little early paid off with an utterly spectacular result. The 2011 is 55% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.