Tenuta San Guido

Le Difese ist eines der schönsten Preis-Qualitäts-Wunder der Toskana. Prächtige, süß parfümierte Fruchtaromen im opulenten Bouquet, ebenso großzügig und weit der langanhaltende Geschmack. SUPERIORE.DE

"Frischfruchtige Nase mit Noten von kleinen Waldfrüchten, auch feiner Würze; ausgewogen am Gaumen, saftige Textur mit angenehmem Finale." Vinum

"Leuchtendes Rubinrot mit funkelndem Kern. In der Nase ein Hauch Reduktion, öffnet sich mit Luft auf Kirschen, Zimtstangen, Walderdbeeren und hellen Gewürznoten. Am Gaumen klar und saftig, zeigt guten Trinkfluss, kernig-salziges Tannin untermalt das Finale." Falstaff

"Surprisingly pale – more Pinot-like than a Cabernet blend! A sweet-sour red-cherry fruit profile, with a notable herbal edge, perhaps reflecting the higher Sangiovese proportion than 2018. On swirling, some cassis joins the party and there’s a background woody, cinnamon note. That sweet-sour sense comes through on the palate too, with a ripeness of red cherry and strawberry cut through with acidity. Pretty fine-grained, powdery tannins that are more refined than previous Le Difese vintages I have tasted. A touch of alcohol on the finish, but overall an enjoyable, perfumed red." Jancis Robinson

"Made with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Sangiovese, this has enticing aromas of cassis, black tea, violet and wild herbs. Savory and elegantly structured, the medium-bodied palate shows ripe blackberry, star anise and a hint of coffee bean framed in lithe, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"Very attractive cherry and dark berry aromas follow through to a medium body with medium round tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, fruity finish. The second wine of Sassicaia. So delicious now, but can age." James Suckling

Seitdem Guidalberto aus eigenen Trauben vinifiziert wird, die zum Großteil ebenfalls in der Monopollage Sassicaia DOC wachsen, ist San Guidos "Zweitwein" schier über sich hinaus gewachsen. Würzig-erdiges Bouquet mit Anklängen an Tabak, Nelke und Lavendel, am Gaumen dicht und saftig mit frischer roter und schwarzer Beerenfrucht. Die Tannine wohldosiert und der Abgang komplex mit einer majestätischen Eleganz, die sich mit den Jahren der Flaschenreife noch weiter verfeinert. SUPERIORE.DE

"Angenehme, noch zurückhaltende Fruchtblume, auch Noten von Pfeffer und Blüten; jugendliche Textur mit belebender Säure und einem ausgewogenen, angenehm fein ziselierten Finale." Vinum

"Elegantes, dunkles Rubinrot. Öffnet sich auf zart speckigen Nuancen, dann nach reifen Himbeeren und Kirschen, im Nachhall nach zart erdigen Nuancen und Waldbeeren. Am Gaumen mit viel Grip und saftigem Tannin, hat salzigen Unterton, in sich gut abgestimmt, mit Nachdruck." Falstaff

"Mid ruby with a touch of sediment – a sample blend, rather than a finished wine, as with the last two release presentations. Quite reticent on the nose, just giving hints of what it’s got – a flash of creamy vanilla, a scent of ripe, plummy, black fruit and some toasted tobacco. Full bodied, with mouth-coating but fine-grained tannins. Plump and velvety – Merlot making its presence felt here. Pretty good length too. This is embryonic and a little closed, but I think has plenty to give – an attractive Guidalberto that will reward cellaring." Jancis Robinson

"Plum, currant and fresh-herb aromas follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, linear finish. It’s clear and already delicious, but another year or two will improve it." James Suckling

"This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It's nicely balanced by fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Le Difese ist eines der schönsten Preis-Qualitäts-Wunder der Toskana. Prächtige, süß parfümierte Fruchtaromen im opulenten Bouquet, ebenso großzügig und weit der langanhaltende Geschmack. SUPERIORE.DE

"Frischfruchtige Nase mit Noten von kleinen Waldfrüchten, auch feiner Würze; ausgewogen am Gaumen, saftige Textur mit angenehmem Finale." Vinum

"Leuchtendes Rubinrot mit funkelndem Kern. In der Nase ein Hauch Reduktion, öffnet sich mit Luft auf Kirschen, Zimtstangen, Walderdbeeren und hellen Gewürznoten. Am Gaumen klar und saftig, zeigt guten Trinkfluss, kernig-salziges Tannin untermalt das Finale." Falstaff

"Surprisingly pale – more Pinot-like than a Cabernet blend! A sweet-sour red-cherry fruit profile, with a notable herbal edge, perhaps reflecting the higher Sangiovese proportion than 2018. On swirling, some cassis joins the party and there’s a background woody, cinnamon note. That sweet-sour sense comes through on the palate too, with a ripeness of red cherry and strawberry cut through with acidity. Pretty fine-grained, powdery tannins that are more refined than previous Le Difese vintages I have tasted. A touch of alcohol on the finish, but overall an enjoyable, perfumed red." Jancis Robinson

"Made with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Sangiovese, this has enticing aromas of cassis, black tea, violet and wild herbs. Savory and elegantly structured, the medium-bodied palate shows ripe blackberry, star anise and a hint of coffee bean framed in lithe, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"Very attractive cherry and dark berry aromas follow through to a medium body with medium round tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, fruity finish. The second wine of Sassicaia. So delicious now, but can age." James Suckling

Seitdem Guidalberto aus eigenen Trauben vinifiziert wird, die zum Großteil ebenfalls in der Monopollage Sassicaia DOC wachsen, ist San Guidos "Zweitwein" schier über sich hinaus gewachsen. Würzig-erdiges Bouquet mit Anklängen an Tabak, Nelke und Lavendel, am Gaumen dicht und saftig mit frischer roter und schwarzer Beerenfrucht. Die Tannine wohldosiert und der Abgang komplex mit einer majestätischen Eleganz, die sich mit den Jahren der Flaschenreife noch weiter verfeinert. SUPERIORE.DE

"Angenehme, noch zurückhaltende Fruchtblume, auch Noten von Pfeffer und Blüten; jugendliche Textur mit belebender Säure und einem ausgewogenen, angenehm fein ziselierten Finale." Vinum

"Elegantes, dunkles Rubinrot. Öffnet sich auf zart speckigen Nuancen, dann nach reifen Himbeeren und Kirschen, im Nachhall nach zart erdigen Nuancen und Waldbeeren. Am Gaumen mit viel Grip und saftigem Tannin, hat salzigen Unterton, in sich gut abgestimmt, mit Nachdruck." Falstaff

"Mid ruby with a touch of sediment – a sample blend, rather than a finished wine, as with the last two release presentations. Quite reticent on the nose, just giving hints of what it’s got – a flash of creamy vanilla, a scent of ripe, plummy, black fruit and some toasted tobacco. Full bodied, with mouth-coating but fine-grained tannins. Plump and velvety – Merlot making its presence felt here. Pretty good length too. This is embryonic and a little closed, but I think has plenty to give – an attractive Guidalberto that will reward cellaring." Jancis Robinson

"Plum, currant and fresh-herb aromas follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, linear finish. It’s clear and already delicious, but another year or two will improve it." James Suckling

"This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It's nicely balanced by fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Enorm vielschichtig im Bouquet: Wir entdecken Cassis, Holunderbeeren, Herzkirschen und florale sowie mineralisch-erdige Noten. Im Mund fest, präzise und dennoch höchst elegant und balsamisch, mit sehr viel Saftigkeit und einem hochfeinen Tannin ausgestattet, welches bereits in seinen jungen Jahren unwiderstehlich ist. Wir haben selten einen Wein genossen, der so dicht und voll ist und zugleich über eine Balance verführt, die ihn einzigartig macht. Weitere Flaschenreife wird unweigerlich belohnt, wenngleich eine nochmalige Steigerung kaum vorstellbar scheint. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mit diesem Wein begann vor mehr als 50 Jahren der Erfolgszug internationaler Rebsorten in Bolgheri: Die Familie Incisa della Rocchetta erkannte das Potenzial der Bordelaiser Rebsorten und schuf diesen Monolithen der italienischen Weinkultur. Bis heute wird er nahezu unverändert und vorwiegend aus Cabernet Franc produziert: einnehmende Nase nach frischem Steinobst, Wacholder und Tabak; der Auftakt geschliffen, die Gerbstoffe feinkörnig und frisch, belebende Säure, überaus komplexes Finale auf Noten von roten Früchte und Gewürzen. Stets eine der elegantesten Interpretationen des Terroirs." Vinum

"The 2017 Sassicaia is a fascinating wine that symbolizes a never-ending tug-of-war between vintner and vintage. The question is who comes out on top? In this case, my money is on the vintner. The 2017 vintage, characterized by scorching heat and drought across much of Italy, was not an easy one. This Sassicaia represents 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc, with most of the fruit coming from the Tenuta's historic vineyards Castiglioncello, Quercione and Doccino. These plots are all located on the back hill of Bolgheri at slightly higher elevations where they enjoy cooler nighttime temperatures. Old vines also have a deeper root system that is key to braving dry and hot summers. You can absolutely taste those choices here thanks to the wine's aromatic profile that offers more variety-driven green highlights of wild berry, forest floor and bramble than I would have expected. With time, as the wine takes on more air in the glass, you get a hint of summer plum or cherry cough drop, and this, to my surprise, is the only subtle reminder of the hot vintage encountered. I found the aromas here to be authentically "Tuscan" in character, more so than other vintages, with balsamic and Mediterranean elements that borrow directly from the Sangiovese playbook. The decision to use more neutral oak favors the reduction of oxygen and softens the tannic profile. Although the wine does end with a hint of bitterness, it took on noticeably more volume and soft richness the longer I kept my sample in the glass." Robert Parker

"A taut, densely wrought red, with black currant, black cherry, iron, wild herb and spice flavors matched to the elegant frame and restrained character. Balanced and long, this has a distinctly Old World feel and looks set to unravel its complex facets slowly." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Sassicaia is dark, sensual and rich, which is a good thing, as the tannins - the result of a warm, dry year in which phenolic ripening was difficult to fully reach - are also quite powerful. I tasted the 2017 from an approximate blend from barrel, where the wines are still aging in separate lots. It will be interesting to see where things end up once the wine is in bottle." Vinous

"The balance and beauty to this is impressive, offering sweet, ripe currants and flowers with some crushed-stone and dry-earth undertones. Full-bodied with soft, polished tannins and a long, creamy-textured finish. It’s polished, yet concentrated. Better after 2022, but already very seductive." James Suckling

"Aromas of exotic spice, baked plum and French oak mingle with camphor and blue flower on the nose. This boasts extraordinary elegance and freshness despite the hot vintage, delivering flavors of juicy Marasca cherry, spiced blueberry, tobacco and licorice. Velvety, fine-grained tannins provide support while coffee and crushed mint linger on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

In seinem 50. Jahrgang könnte Sassicaia kaum typischer oder unverwechselbarer sein. Nach einem eher durchwachsenen Frühjahr wurde das Wetter dann doch noch so warm und trocken, dass die Cabernet-Trauben letztendlich optimal ausreifen konnten und dieses Flaggschiff Bolgheris in einem bemerkenswert reinen und persönlichkeitsstarken Auftritt unverwechselbar machen. So wurde die 2018er Ausgabe ein Muster an Ausgewogenheit und Finesse, die quasi schwerelos und in exakt proportioniertem Rahmen den Gaumen hinabgleitet.

Faszinierendes Bouquet nach Kirschen, Blüten, etwas Schokolade, wilde Kräuter und Pflaumen. Das Gesamtpaket dieses Weins ist seinem Jubiläum ebenbürtig, Sassicaia 2018 repräsentiert neben der seit Jahrzehnten unbestrittenen Klasse wieder einmal auf eindrucksvolle Art seine Herkunft und bestätigt zu Recht, dass für diese Wein-Ikone gar eine eigene DOC kreiert wurde. SUPERIORE.DE

"Die Legende aus Bolgheri im 50. Jubiläumsjahr: Intrigant-elegante Nase auf roten Früchten und balsamischen Noten; kraftvoller Auftakt, perfekt ausbalanziert, überaus harmonisch das Finale auf Noten von Unterholz, Gewürzen, viel Frucht. Hervorragender Essensbegleiter, aber auch alleine ein Genuss!" Vinum

"Sattes Rubinrot mit dunkler Mitte und zartem Wasserrand. Herrlich feinsinniges, tiefes Cabernetdominiertes Bouquet mit erdigen und würzigmineralischen Terroiranklängen, dazu kommt eine noble Cassis-Lakritz-Note. Erinnert frappierend an einen edlen Pauillac. Fein und distinguiert, fast mit kühler Noblesse. Klar, noch viel zu jung, aber in den Ansätzen bereits sehr gut erkennbar. Im Mund ganz klar auf die erdige Würze fokussierend, sehr aristokratisch und durchdekliniert bis in die letzte Pore, die im tänzerischen Finale ihr elegantes Crescendo unterstreicht." Weinwisser

"Glänzendes, sattes Rubin-Violett. In der Nase sehr knackige und klare Frucht, präzise, viel Cassis, Brombeere und etwas Leder. Auch am Gaumen viel saftige Frucht, erstaunliche Frische, dunkle Johannisbeere, zeigt große Spannung, griffiges Tannin, im Finale feine Minze, ein Langläufer mit Potential für viel Jahre." Falstaff

"Mid ruby. Initially quite scented, then strangely closed a little in the glass. Subtle tones of cedar, vanilla and dried tobacco, with precision of fresh blackcurrant and a hint of black cherry. There’s an underlying graphite and stone/mineral complexity too. Juicy palate – certainly good acidity here – and a comparatively moderate tannic load, both of which work in harmony to structure the wine. The tannins are fine grained, without the somewhat pinched texture I saw in the 2017 vintage, though will nevertheless benefit from a little cellaring to resolve to a silky finesse. At about three-quarter distance there’s just a hint of wateriness, but then the delicate flavour does persist to a very good-length finish. This is certainly Sassicaia in the elegant and subtle mould v 2017’s more powerful iteration. It would be interesting to evaluate these two side by side in a few years." Jancis Robinson

"Refined and complex, this red is all about finesse and restraint, starting out with floral and black currant flavors that build steadily on the palate, with olive, cedar, tobacco and spice notes adding detail as this lingers on the terrific finish. Needs five to seven years to fully emerge." Wine Spectator

"Star bright raspberry in colour, this has an elegance and a sense of lift right from the start - a beautifully balanced, finessed and classical Sassicaia. The freshly cut and dried herbs of great Italian wines reveals themselves through the slow build up across the palate, along with gentle tobacco and liquorice notes. This is juicy and elegant, showing passion fruit and raspberry with an undertow of complexity. One to savour." Decanter

"Beautiful, serene aromas of sweet berries and wild flowers with light lavender and fresh sage. Really aromatic. A firm, silky red with medium to full body and ultra fine tannins that are polished and beautiful. Lots of blue fruit and blackberries follow through to a beautiful finish. Really tight and polished. Bright acidity. Will be lovely to drink in a few years. The 2017 and 2016 were about power, but the 2018 is about finesse and subtlety." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sassicaia is fabulous. Bright and beautifully poised, the 2018 opens with brilliant aromatics that make a strong first impression. Delicate and light on its feet, the 2018 is a regal wine that is going to need a number of years to come into its own. Sassicaia is the most finessed of Bolgheri’s top wines. That is very much the case in 2018 as well. I loved it." Vinous

"This is a classic vintage of an Italian icon now celebrating its 50th vintage. The Tenuta San Guido 2018 Bolgheri Sassicaia lays out a familiar blueprint that borrows from the proven track record of this landmark estate that extends into the hills just beyond the Tyrrhenian shores of Tuscany. This vintage is crystalline and pure in its delivery, and if you are familiar with previous editions, it is impossible to mistake this wine for anything but Sassicaia. The palate is lifted and bright, the finish is polished and long, and the wine skips over any heaviness on the mid-palate. The bouquet is especially intriguing with a very lively plummy fruit element that is enhanced by baker's chocolate, pepper spice, iron ore, caramel and pie crust. There is also a green character that adds positively to the bouquet with aniseed, tea leaf, soya, menthol rub and black olive. The fruit maturity is spot-on with no elements that feel over or underripe. Overall, the 2018 Sassicaia weighs in with a svelte frame and long persistence. Moreover, it is distinguished by the archetypal elegance and pedigree of the classic vintages of the past. This new release gives you much pleasure to await." Robert Parker

"All about radiance and finesse, this iconic Tuscan red has beguiling aromas of cedar, wild red berry, menthol and pipe tobacco that mingle with fragrant blue flowers. Made with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, the focused, elegantly structured palate is vibrant and savory, delivering cassis, orange zest, licorice and a hint of coffee framed in taut, polished tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized and balanced." Wine Enthusiast

Enorm vielschichtig im Bouquet: Wir entdecken Cassis, Holunderbeeren, Herzkirschen und florale sowie mineralisch-erdige Noten. Im Mund fest, präzise und dennoch höchst elegant und balsamisch, mit sehr viel Saftigkeit und einem hochfeinen Tannin ausgestattet, welches bereits in seinen jungen Jahren unwiderstehlich ist. Wir haben selten einen Wein genossen, der so dicht und voll ist und zugleich über eine Balance verführt, die ihn einzigartig macht. Weitere Flaschenreife wird unweigerlich belohnt, wenngleich eine nochmalige Steigerung kaum vorstellbar scheint. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mit diesem Wein begann vor mehr als 50 Jahren der Erfolgszug internationaler Rebsorten in Bolgheri: Die Familie Incisa della Rocchetta erkannte das Potenzial der Bordelaiser Rebsorten und schuf diesen Monolithen der italienischen Weinkultur. Bis heute wird er nahezu unverändert und vorwiegend aus Cabernet Franc produziert: einnehmende Nase nach frischem Steinobst, Wacholder und Tabak; der Auftakt geschliffen, die Gerbstoffe feinkörnig und frisch, belebende Säure, überaus komplexes Finale auf Noten von roten Früchte und Gewürzen. Stets eine der elegantesten Interpretationen des Terroirs." Vinum

"The 2017 Sassicaia is a fascinating wine that symbolizes a never-ending tug-of-war between vintner and vintage. The question is who comes out on top? In this case, my money is on the vintner. The 2017 vintage, characterized by scorching heat and drought across much of Italy, was not an easy one. This Sassicaia represents 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc, with most of the fruit coming from the Tenuta's historic vineyards Castiglioncello, Quercione and Doccino. These plots are all located on the back hill of Bolgheri at slightly higher elevations where they enjoy cooler nighttime temperatures. Old vines also have a deeper root system that is key to braving dry and hot summers. You can absolutely taste those choices here thanks to the wine's aromatic profile that offers more variety-driven green highlights of wild berry, forest floor and bramble than I would have expected. With time, as the wine takes on more air in the glass, you get a hint of summer plum or cherry cough drop, and this, to my surprise, is the only subtle reminder of the hot vintage encountered. I found the aromas here to be authentically "Tuscan" in character, more so than other vintages, with balsamic and Mediterranean elements that borrow directly from the Sangiovese playbook. The decision to use more neutral oak favors the reduction of oxygen and softens the tannic profile. Although the wine does end with a hint of bitterness, it took on noticeably more volume and soft richness the longer I kept my sample in the glass." Robert Parker

"A taut, densely wrought red, with black currant, black cherry, iron, wild herb and spice flavors matched to the elegant frame and restrained character. Balanced and long, this has a distinctly Old World feel and looks set to unravel its complex facets slowly." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Sassicaia is dark, sensual and rich, which is a good thing, as the tannins - the result of a warm, dry year in which phenolic ripening was difficult to fully reach - are also quite powerful. I tasted the 2017 from an approximate blend from barrel, where the wines are still aging in separate lots. It will be interesting to see where things end up once the wine is in bottle." Vinous

"The balance and beauty to this is impressive, offering sweet, ripe currants and flowers with some crushed-stone and dry-earth undertones. Full-bodied with soft, polished tannins and a long, creamy-textured finish. It’s polished, yet concentrated. Better after 2022, but already very seductive." James Suckling

"Aromas of exotic spice, baked plum and French oak mingle with camphor and blue flower on the nose. This boasts extraordinary elegance and freshness despite the hot vintage, delivering flavors of juicy Marasca cherry, spiced blueberry, tobacco and licorice. Velvety, fine-grained tannins provide support while coffee and crushed mint linger on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

In seinem 50. Jahrgang könnte Sassicaia kaum typischer oder unverwechselbarer sein. Nach einem eher durchwachsenen Frühjahr wurde das Wetter dann doch noch so warm und trocken, dass die Cabernet-Trauben letztendlich optimal ausreifen konnten und dieses Flaggschiff Bolgheris in einem bemerkenswert reinen und persönlichkeitsstarken Auftritt unverwechselbar machen. So wurde die 2018er Ausgabe ein Muster an Ausgewogenheit und Finesse, die quasi schwerelos und in exakt proportioniertem Rahmen den Gaumen hinabgleitet.

Faszinierendes Bouquet nach Kirschen, Blüten, etwas Schokolade, wilde Kräuter und Pflaumen. Das Gesamtpaket dieses Weins ist seinem Jubiläum ebenbürtig, Sassicaia 2018 repräsentiert neben der seit Jahrzehnten unbestrittenen Klasse wieder einmal auf eindrucksvolle Art seine Herkunft und bestätigt zu Recht, dass für diese Wein-Ikone gar eine eigene DOC kreiert wurde. SUPERIORE.DE

"Die Legende aus Bolgheri im 50. Jubiläumsjahr: Intrigant-elegante Nase auf roten Früchten und balsamischen Noten; kraftvoller Auftakt, perfekt ausbalanziert, überaus harmonisch das Finale auf Noten von Unterholz, Gewürzen, viel Frucht. Hervorragender Essensbegleiter, aber auch alleine ein Genuss!" Vinum

"Sattes Rubinrot mit dunkler Mitte und zartem Wasserrand. Herrlich feinsinniges, tiefes Cabernetdominiertes Bouquet mit erdigen und würzigmineralischen Terroiranklängen, dazu kommt eine noble Cassis-Lakritz-Note. Erinnert frappierend an einen edlen Pauillac. Fein und distinguiert, fast mit kühler Noblesse. Klar, noch viel zu jung, aber in den Ansätzen bereits sehr gut erkennbar. Im Mund ganz klar auf die erdige Würze fokussierend, sehr aristokratisch und durchdekliniert bis in die letzte Pore, die im tänzerischen Finale ihr elegantes Crescendo unterstreicht." Weinwisser

"Glänzendes, sattes Rubin-Violett. In der Nase sehr knackige und klare Frucht, präzise, viel Cassis, Brombeere und etwas Leder. Auch am Gaumen viel saftige Frucht, erstaunliche Frische, dunkle Johannisbeere, zeigt große Spannung, griffiges Tannin, im Finale feine Minze, ein Langläufer mit Potential für viel Jahre." Falstaff

"Mid ruby. Initially quite scented, then strangely closed a little in the glass. Subtle tones of cedar, vanilla and dried tobacco, with precision of fresh blackcurrant and a hint of black cherry. There’s an underlying graphite and stone/mineral complexity too. Juicy palate – certainly good acidity here – and a comparatively moderate tannic load, both of which work in harmony to structure the wine. The tannins are fine grained, without the somewhat pinched texture I saw in the 2017 vintage, though will nevertheless benefit from a little cellaring to resolve to a silky finesse. At about three-quarter distance there’s just a hint of wateriness, but then the delicate flavour does persist to a very good-length finish. This is certainly Sassicaia in the elegant and subtle mould v 2017’s more powerful iteration. It would be interesting to evaluate these two side by side in a few years." Jancis Robinson

"Refined and complex, this red is all about finesse and restraint, starting out with floral and black currant flavors that build steadily on the palate, with olive, cedar, tobacco and spice notes adding detail as this lingers on the terrific finish. Needs five to seven years to fully emerge." Wine Spectator

"Star bright raspberry in colour, this has an elegance and a sense of lift right from the start - a beautifully balanced, finessed and classical Sassicaia. The freshly cut and dried herbs of great Italian wines reveals themselves through the slow build up across the palate, along with gentle tobacco and liquorice notes. This is juicy and elegant, showing passion fruit and raspberry with an undertow of complexity. One to savour." Decanter

"Beautiful, serene aromas of sweet berries and wild flowers with light lavender and fresh sage. Really aromatic. A firm, silky red with medium to full body and ultra fine tannins that are polished and beautiful. Lots of blue fruit and blackberries follow through to a beautiful finish. Really tight and polished. Bright acidity. Will be lovely to drink in a few years. The 2017 and 2016 were about power, but the 2018 is about finesse and subtlety." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sassicaia is fabulous. Bright and beautifully poised, the 2018 opens with brilliant aromatics that make a strong first impression. Delicate and light on its feet, the 2018 is a regal wine that is going to need a number of years to come into its own. Sassicaia is the most finessed of Bolgheri’s top wines. That is very much the case in 2018 as well. I loved it." Vinous

"This is a classic vintage of an Italian icon now celebrating its 50th vintage. The Tenuta San Guido 2018 Bolgheri Sassicaia lays out a familiar blueprint that borrows from the proven track record of this landmark estate that extends into the hills just beyond the Tyrrhenian shores of Tuscany. This vintage is crystalline and pure in its delivery, and if you are familiar with previous editions, it is impossible to mistake this wine for anything but Sassicaia. The palate is lifted and bright, the finish is polished and long, and the wine skips over any heaviness on the mid-palate. The bouquet is especially intriguing with a very lively plummy fruit element that is enhanced by baker's chocolate, pepper spice, iron ore, caramel and pie crust. There is also a green character that adds positively to the bouquet with aniseed, tea leaf, soya, menthol rub and black olive. The fruit maturity is spot-on with no elements that feel over or underripe. Overall, the 2018 Sassicaia weighs in with a svelte frame and long persistence. Moreover, it is distinguished by the archetypal elegance and pedigree of the classic vintages of the past. This new release gives you much pleasure to await." Robert Parker

"All about radiance and finesse, this iconic Tuscan red has beguiling aromas of cedar, wild red berry, menthol and pipe tobacco that mingle with fragrant blue flowers. Made with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, the focused, elegantly structured palate is vibrant and savory, delivering cassis, orange zest, licorice and a hint of coffee framed in taut, polished tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized and balanced." Wine Enthusiast