VM96: A dark, immediate wine, the 2009 Sammarco hits the palate with waves of generous dark fruit. Black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco and incense flesh out in a succulent Sammarco that won't require decades to give its best. This is an unusually open, resonant Sammarco.

JS93: There's a wonderful purity of fruit to this young red with blueberry and cherry character. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Not the 2008 but excellent. A blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon