1999 Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco

A little smudgier looking than most. Deep ruby. Hugely seductive. A sort of Pomerol style. Surely Michel Rolland was involved here?! Seems very Merlot. (In fact it is very ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with some Sangiovese.) Very lush and rich and flattering though not as refreshing as some. Tannins slightly drying. Not obviously Italian at all. (JR)

The Sammarco, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese, has been one of Tuscany's great classics for nearly two decades. The 1999 Sammarco is tight and closed, but wow, what potential! A dense ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of high class cigar tobacco intermixed with smoke, minerals, black currants, and vanilla. In the mouth, it is dense, medium to full-bodied, with superb richness, purity, and overall harmony. Cellaring is mandatory for this backward, still primary 1999. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. A classic! Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

The Sammarco, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Sangiovese, has been one of Tuscany's great classics for nearly two decades. The 1999 Sammarco is tight and closed, but wow, what potential! A dense ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet nose of high class cigar tobacco intermixed with smoke, minerals, black currants, and vanilla. In the mouth, it is dense, medium to full-bodied, with superb richness, purity, and overall harmony. Cellaring is mandatory for this backward, still primary 1999. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. A classic! Dec 2002, www.robertparker.com