2006 Sammarco Vino da Tavola, Castello dei Rampolla, Tuscany
Castello dei Rampolla is one of the benchmark properties in Tuscany. This 13th-century estate situated near Panzano in the heart of Chianti Classico was one of the pioneers of the Super-Tuscan movement. Sammarco is a Cabernet-Merlot blend, with a small amount of Sangiovese. The first vintage was 1980 and it has developed an iconic status, without the price tag of some. Very serious and dense, with cassis and graphite notes, this is muscular and powerful with terrific concentration and tannic weight. Needs time, but will be great.