The 2005 Sammarco is elegant and refined although it lacks the structure and power of the finest vintages. It possesses terrific depth of fruit and outstanding length, both of which are no doubt enhanced by the addition of some of the fruit that is normally destined for the D’Alceo bottling. In 2005 Sammarco is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Sangiovese. This should be a fairly early-drinking vintage, something that can’t often be said about the estate’s wines. To be released in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. I can’t think of too many places where 2005 was more challenging than Castello dei Rampolla. Losses were so severe that the estate didn’t even bother to harvest a portion of their vineyards. Production is significantly down from normal levels. Rampolla did make their top selections, but production of the D’Alceo is so reduced that the wine won’t be shipped to the US. These are commendable efforts for the vintage but they show the inevitable effects of the growing season. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200