The 2018 Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco IGT is a red proprietary blend from Tuscany, Italy, produced by Castello dei Rampolla. This wine features a blend predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot and Sangiovese, and has an alcohol content of 14.5%. It is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 96, describing it as having "gorgeous aromas of blackberries and redcurrants with violets and rosemary." He noted the wine's "fine, tense tannins" and "intense, minerally finish," emphasizing its "racy and polished" end and suggesting it will be best enjoyed after 2026 (jamessuckling.com, 8/8/2022).
Vinous provided an even higher score of 98, with Antonio Galloni praising the 2018 Sammarco as "brilliant" and "exceptionally polished." Galloni highlighted its "tons of linear drive" and "tremendous purity," noting the prominence of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. He described the wine as having vibrant notes of "blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint, and blood orange," and appreciated its "freshness" (Vinous, 7/1/2022).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored the wine at 95, with Monica Larner commenting on its "ample fruit weight and rich concentration." Larner observed that the wine is "chiseled and tight," with a notable structure and tannins that promise great aging potential. She distinguished the Sammarco from other wines in the portfolio by its "brawn, ripe fruit, black olive, and a much greater sense of lasting power" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 2/10/2023).
Wine Spectator awarded the wine a score of 93, noting its "saturated cherry, plum, earth, and tobacco flavors." The review highlighted the wine's "dense" texture and "dusty tannins" on the finish, along with its "fresh and long" character that "builds in intensity and complexity." The publication recommends drinking this wine now through 2036 (Wine Spectator, 5/17/2023).
Overall, the 2018 Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco IGT is highly regarded for its rich fruit concentration, structured tannins, and potential for long-term aging. The wine's blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese contributes to its complexity and intensity, making it a standout offering from Tuscany.