Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" Toscana IGT 2004
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 97] [WS 93] [WA 93] [WE 93]

About this Wine:
The name Sammarco is in honor of Marco di Napoli, brother of Maurizia and Luca, who died in a helicopter accident in the early 1980s. Sammarco is the original biodynamic Super-Tuscan. Although we tend to position this Cabernet powerhouse after names like Sassicaia, Solaia, and Ornellaia, Sammarco actually predated Ornellaia (1980) and boasts the same winemaking talent behind of Giacomo Tachis. This is one of the pioneering Tuscan blends that privileges craftsmanship and quality, establishing its credentials absent the instruments of media and marketing. Family owned and operated, Castello dei Rampolla pursues an artisanal approach that includes the practice of organic winemaking, hand selection of grapes, and cultivation of low yields.

Varietals: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot

Tasting Notes
Color: Dense ruby-purple
Bouquet: Sweet nose of high class cigar tobacco intermixed with smoke, minerals, black currants, and vanilla
Flavor: Dense, medium- to full-bodied, with superb richness, purity, and overall harmony
Pairings: Excellent with game, red meats and aged cheeses

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2004 Sammarco shows why this is such a magnificent vintage for Tuscany. Silky, layered and impeccably refined, the 2004 possesses notable breadth and richness, yet remains light on its feet. The flavors are bright, with a level of crystalline purity that is impossible to miss. Best of all, the 2004 continues to age gracefully. I imagine the 2004 will offer a wide drinking window of pure pleasure. The 2004 isn't one of the biggest or most imposing Sammarcos, but it is among the most finessed." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2015)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Shows very beautiful aromas of currant, raspberry and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, clean finish. A tiny bit austere, but should come along nicely with time. The best Sammarco since 1997. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese." (Oct 2007)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2004 Sammarco is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese. It exhibits a dark purplish color, along with a wonderfully fragrant nose of spices and violets. It is a rich, powerful effort packed with an array of blueberries, blackberries and grilled herbs, showing a layered personality and an imposing tannic structure that will require patience. This gorgeously pure wine should drink effortlessly to age 25. A recent bottle of the 1988 was still youthful and full of life. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. High-density vineyards, biodynamic farming and low yields are the hallmarks of the wines of Castello dei Rampolla, located in the prestigious Conca d-Oro in Panzano. Despite its elegant name Castello di Rampolla is a small, family-run property with a decidedly artisanal approach to working in both the vineyards and the cellar. The estate produces big, concentrated wines with imposing tannic structures that have proven to be extremely ageworthy." (Jun 2007)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This is a well-built and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon (with Sangiovese) with thick layers of cherry, forest bramble, caramel, molasses and smoky tobacco-like tones that are deep and penetrating. It scores high in terms of intensity, complexity and ends with fresh, menthol nuances on the finish." (Apr 2008)