The 1993 Sammarco is a good, rather than outstanding example of this wine. It exhibits a deep ruby color, and a backward, unevolved nose of earth, new oak, spice, and Graves-like smoky, mineral character intertwined with blackcurrants. In the mouth, the wine remains austere, but it possesses enough ripe, sweet fruit to coat the palate. Tannin dominates the finish. This wine will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring, and keep for 10-12 years, but I suspect it always going to be an austere, more compressed style of Sammarco. This has always been one of my favorite Tuscan producers. I began purchasing their wines in 1983, and have continued to latch on to a few bottles from the better years. Sadly, as with many of the finest wines, prices have gone up significantly. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200