Rampolla Sammarco 2014 (750ML)

94 WA / 93+ VM / 93 JS / 92 WE / 90 WS

The 2014 Sammarco was bottled in August and will be released in January 2019. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese. At this young stage, the wine already offers an impressive array of complex aromas with dark berry, spice and grilled herb neatly overlapping. Those tones are delivered with perfume-like grace and intensity. This vintage is streamlined and compact in terms of mouthfeel, and those youthful tannins remind us that this wine will award the best results to those who have the patience to wait. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

The 2014 Sammarco is distinctly savory and nervous in this vintage, both reflections of the cool growing season that favored Cabernet Sauvignon over the other varieties in the blend. Sweet tobacco, grilled herbs, red cherry, menthol and dried flowers struggle to fully emerge, as the 2014 remains a touch compact today. Hints of rose petal and mint add a touch of freshness to this mid-weight, yet deeply expressive Sammarco. The 2014 is going to need time to fully emerge, but I expect it will always be a relatively understated Sammarco. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The violet, blackberry and sandalwood character is impressive. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Linear and structured. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese and merlot. Drink in 2020. - James Suckling

Made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese this fragrant red opens with aromas of cassis, blackberry, blue flower and a whiff of exotic spice. The linear, vibrant palate is focused and loaded with finesse, offering mature Morello cherry, spiced blueberry, tobacco and licorice set against fine-grained tannins. It's balanced, with bright acidity. Drink through 2026. — Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast

This is mellowing, yet still fresh, boasting cherry, black currant, wild Mediterranean scrub and minerally aromas and flavors. On the lean side, yet should be ideal with food. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2024. 1,833 cases made, 100 cases imported. - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator