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

"Man merkt schon im Duft des «Le Difese», wieviel frischer der 2016er Jahrgang gegenüber anderen Jahren ist. Das liegt auch daran, dass der – sich gerade hier an der Küste in warmen Jahren schwertuende – Sangiovese viel frischer im Blend ausgefallen ist. Demnach schmeckt er kirschfruchtiger mit knackiger Säure und ist feiner und linearer." Weinwisser

"Just mid ruby. Light but persistent cherry fruit palate with quite a big load of powdery tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A fresh, vibrant version, offering cherry, strawberry, spice and mineral flavors. Youthful, with assertive tannins, so decant or age short term." Wine Spectator

"A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, the 2016 Le Difese shows a more evident touch of ripe fruit that you don't perceive in the Guidalberto, which makes me think it comes from the Sangiovese component that is only used in this wine. The overall effect of that ripeness is that it downplays the wine's inner complexity. But this entry-level red from Tenuta San Guido was never aiming for huge complexity to begin with. Dark cherry and cherry is followed by wild strawberry and tangy rose hip. This wine happily delivers on its promises of freshness and accessibility." Robert Parker

"The 2016 Le Difese is a gorgeous entry-level wine from Tenuta San Guido. A lovely sense of translucence runs through the black cherry, plum, lavender and mint flavors. I can't remember a Difese with this much sheer finesse and class." VINOUS

"Very aromatic and bright with strawberry, cherry and currant character. Hints of oranges. Full-bodied, linear and tight, showing ultra-fine tannins. Potential here." James Suckling

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

"Made with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, this offers aromas of blackberry, charred earth, blue flower and a whiffs of oak-driven spice. The linear, elegant palate offers dried black cherry, black currant and licorice alongside taut polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh and vivid with a blackberry, currant and fresh-herb character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a focused finish." James Suckling

Guidalberto steht schon lange nicht mehr im Schatten seines "Übervaters" Sassicaia. Seitdem er aus eigenen Lagen vinifiziert wird, die zum Großteil ebenfalls in der Monopollage Sassicaia DOC wachsen, ist er 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

"Deep black-purple. Opulent, plum, cassis and some fresh earth. Clove, cinnamon and some toasted almond oak. Much fuller-bodied than the Le Difese, with ripe plum and cassis fruit. Plenty of polish here, though pretty embryonic in form. Very fine-grained tannins, though not the greatest density of them. The fruit slips away quite quickly, but there’s a long line of spice and savouriness that does come through. Perhaps once bottled, the fruit will hold through as far too." Jancis Robinson

"The 2017 Guidalberto is dark, sumptuous and quite powerful. Even with the extremes of the punishing growing season, the 2017 comes through beautifully, showing remarkable clarity and precision. Black cherry, plum, lavender and spice notes are pushed forward, but it is the wine's structure that gives energy and a real sense of direction. Time in the glass brings out an attractive red berry and floral character that adds freshness." VINOUS

"A youthful, sinewy red, with plum, black cherry, cedar and spice flavors wrapped in a thick texture and mouthcoating tannins. Stays vivid and long on the finish, where the sweet, ripe fruit prevails." Wine Spectator

"A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the 2017 Guidalberto appeals to the more informal side of sophisticated drinking. By that I mean it makes a great choice at lunch or for family dinners. Despite the accessibility and dense concentration of the fruit, especially evident in a warm vintage such as this, the wine's pedigree is evident in terms of the careful management of the structure and acidity. My samples were a little closed at first and needed some extra coaxing. Once open, the wine shows the dark fruit and exuberance of this hot vintage in Tuscany." Robert Parker

"Subtle aromas of cedar, cassis, tobacco and a whiff of camphor slowly take shape in the glass. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the tightly knit, elegant palate delivers dried black cherry, red currant, blood orange and licorice while fine-grained tannins provide tight support. It closes on a coffee-bean note." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh herbs, cedar, black raspberries, orange peel and citrus. Very balanced and focused on the palate, thanks to cutting acidity, but with firm, chewy tannins that envelop a plethora of red fruit." James Suckling

Guidalberto steht schon lange nicht mehr im Schatten seines "Übervaters" Sassicaia. Seitdem er aus eigenen Lagen vinifiziert wird, die zum Großteil ebenfalls in der Monopollage Sassicaia DOC wachsen, ist er 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

"Deep black-purple. Opulent, plum, cassis and some fresh earth. Clove, cinnamon and some toasted almond oak. Much fuller-bodied than the Le Difese, with ripe plum and cassis fruit. Plenty of polish here, though pretty embryonic in form. Very fine-grained tannins, though not the greatest density of them. The fruit slips away quite quickly, but there’s a long line of spice and savouriness that does come through. Perhaps once bottled, the fruit will hold through as far too." Jancis Robinson

"The 2017 Guidalberto is dark, sumptuous and quite powerful. Even with the extremes of the punishing growing season, the 2017 comes through beautifully, showing remarkable clarity and precision. Black cherry, plum, lavender and spice notes are pushed forward, but it is the wine's structure that gives energy and a real sense of direction. Time in the glass brings out an attractive red berry and floral character that adds freshness." VINOUS

"A youthful, sinewy red, with plum, black cherry, cedar and spice flavors wrapped in a thick texture and mouthcoating tannins. Stays vivid and long on the finish, where the sweet, ripe fruit prevails." Wine Spectator

"A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the 2017 Guidalberto appeals to the more informal side of sophisticated drinking. By that I mean it makes a great choice at lunch or for family dinners. Despite the accessibility and dense concentration of the fruit, especially evident in a warm vintage such as this, the wine's pedigree is evident in terms of the careful management of the structure and acidity. My samples were a little closed at first and needed some extra coaxing. Once open, the wine shows the dark fruit and exuberance of this hot vintage in Tuscany." Robert Parker

"Subtle aromas of cedar, cassis, tobacco and a whiff of camphor slowly take shape in the glass. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the tightly knit, elegant palate delivers dried black cherry, red currant, blood orange and licorice while fine-grained tannins provide tight support. It closes on a coffee-bean note." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh herbs, cedar, black raspberries, orange peel and citrus. Very balanced and focused on the palate, thanks to cutting acidity, but with firm, chewy tannins that envelop a plethora of red fruit." James Suckling

Guidalberto steht schon lange nicht mehr im Schatten seines "Übervaters" Sassicaia. Seitdem er aus eigenen Lagen vinifiziert wird, die zum Großteil ebenfalls in der Monopollage Sassicaia DOC wachsen, ist er 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

"Deep black-purple. Opulent, plum, cassis and some fresh earth. Clove, cinnamon and some toasted almond oak. Much fuller-bodied than the Le Difese, with ripe plum and cassis fruit. Plenty of polish here, though pretty embryonic in form. Very fine-grained tannins, though not the greatest density of them. The fruit slips away quite quickly, but there’s a long line of spice and savouriness that does come through. Perhaps once bottled, the fruit will hold through as far too." Jancis Robinson

"The 2017 Guidalberto is dark, sumptuous and quite powerful. Even with the extremes of the punishing growing season, the 2017 comes through beautifully, showing remarkable clarity and precision. Black cherry, plum, lavender and spice notes are pushed forward, but it is the wine's structure that gives energy and a real sense of direction. Time in the glass brings out an attractive red berry and floral character that adds freshness." VINOUS

"A youthful, sinewy red, with plum, black cherry, cedar and spice flavors wrapped in a thick texture and mouthcoating tannins. Stays vivid and long on the finish, where the sweet, ripe fruit prevails." Wine Spectator

"A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the 2017 Guidalberto appeals to the more informal side of sophisticated drinking. By that I mean it makes a great choice at lunch or for family dinners. Despite the accessibility and dense concentration of the fruit, especially evident in a warm vintage such as this, the wine's pedigree is evident in terms of the careful management of the structure and acidity. My samples were a little closed at first and needed some extra coaxing. Once open, the wine shows the dark fruit and exuberance of this hot vintage in Tuscany." Robert Parker

"Subtle aromas of cedar, cassis, tobacco and a whiff of camphor slowly take shape in the glass. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the tightly knit, elegant palate delivers dried black cherry, red currant, blood orange and licorice while fine-grained tannins provide tight support. It closes on a coffee-bean note." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh herbs, cedar, black raspberries, orange peel and citrus. Very balanced and focused on the palate, thanks to cutting acidity, but with firm, chewy tannins that envelop a plethora of red fruit." James Suckling

NEUE LIEFERUNG MITTE SEPTEMBER 2019.

Das Weinjahr 2016 war in der Toskana herausragend und Sassicaia 2016 ist ein Monument von Wein. 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

"Mid-deep ruby-garnet. A notable rose fragrance with tobacco scent lifts out of the glass. A core of ripe, sweet cassis fruit is wrapped in subtle clove oak spice, some earthy tones and cigar box. Needs only a little coaxing from the glass, which is surprising, given its youth. Focused, precise and elegant cassis on the palate, with crushed rock and tobacco. Very fine, fairly firm tannins, with a line of acidity helping to give structure. Very long, delicate, scented finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Sassicaia is a fabulous wine in the making. Powerful and concentrated, with huge tannic clout, the 2016 has so much to offer. Black cherry, plum, licorice, spice and violet all pulse with energy in an explosive, thrilling Sassicaia that will drink well for several decades. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 is precise and beautifully polished, not to mention absolutely delicious. Don't miss it." VINOUS

"Subtle and complex aromas of blackcurrants, fresh herbs, lavender, rosemary and oyster shell. Some moss, too. Very perfumed. Full-bodied yet integrated with refined tannins that melt into the palate. Extremely classy and polished. Hard not to drink now. Try after 2021, when the tannins will have integrated even better in the wine." James Suckling

"A rich, black cherry– and black currant–flavored red, accented by cedar, wild herb and spice notes, this is supple and vibrant, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and an emerging mineral element. Firms up nicely on the finish. Hard to keep from enjoying this now, but it will develop well with age." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of cedar, tobacco, blue flower and spiced plum fuse together in this elegantly structured, stunning red. One of Italy's most iconic wines, the smooth, compelling palate delivers flavors of black cherry, cassis, licorice and a hint of wild herb. Taut, polished tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity lends impeccable balance. A savory saline note lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"One of the secret of Bolgheri’s mediterranean and windy climate is to turn pyrazines from the Cabernets into extra-dimensional scents of citron and leafy aromas. Sassicaia has been producing Cabernet-based wines here since 1968, which are typically marked by this fresh character on the nose. There's a note of kiwi peel that's particularly intense in this 2016, along with some cedar. In this vintage, its character is - if possible - more restrained than usual and definitely more so than the exceptional 2015. Small dark fruits lurk in the depth of the super-youthful nose, while on the palate the wine is not completely ready to drink - despite the good integration of oak, the tannins are still crunchy, perfectly ripe yet chewy, pushed by a lively acidity. An extremely elegant Sassicaia with a refined finish, this is built for the long haul and is possibly the best of this decade." Decanter

"The 2016 Sassicaia is a wine of soaring achievement. I tasted this wine several times during the course of its creation in both barrel and bottle, and the highly deserved 100-point score you see here was enthusiastically assigned at the conclusion of a mini vertical in which I tasted and compared the 2016 vintage against 2015 (which I scored 97 points). It makes perfect sense to present these two excellent vintages in back-to-back comparison fashion because they are two of the best to emerge from Bolgheri, and indeed Tenuta San Guido, in recent memory. These are very similar vintages with long, hot summer months that fueled a long growing season. There was a bit more rain in 2016, and in analytical terms this vintage has a tad more acidity. However, the results in the glass are extraordinarily different. The 2015 vintage is exuberant, round, succulent and immediate, whereas the 2016 vintage shows pinpoint sharpness and precision (with similar grit and texture at the back). That acidity will carry it long into the future as the wine completes its slow evolutionary course. This wine is chiseled and sharp with blackberry, ripe cherry, grilled herb and barbecue spice. The aromas flow from the glass in a continuous stream and are all marked by radiant intensity. The mouthfeel is long and powerful. The crisp linearity of the wine's tannic backbone is perfectly measured to the volume and depth of the fruit flavors. To my mind, the 2016 Sassicaia stands tall next to the epic 1985 vintage that set the ultimate benchmark for vino italiano." Robert Parker

NEUE LIEFERUNG MITTE SEPTEMBER 2019.

Das Weinjahr 2016 war in der Toskana herausragend und Sassicaia 2016 ist ein Monument von Wein. 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

"Mid-deep ruby-garnet. A notable rose fragrance with tobacco scent lifts out of the glass. A core of ripe, sweet cassis fruit is wrapped in subtle clove oak spice, some earthy tones and cigar box. Needs only a little coaxing from the glass, which is surprising, given its youth. Focused, precise and elegant cassis on the palate, with crushed rock and tobacco. Very fine, fairly firm tannins, with a line of acidity helping to give structure. Very long, delicate, scented finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Sassicaia is a fabulous wine in the making. Powerful and concentrated, with huge tannic clout, the 2016 has so much to offer. Black cherry, plum, licorice, spice and violet all pulse with energy in an explosive, thrilling Sassicaia that will drink well for several decades. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 is precise and beautifully polished, not to mention absolutely delicious. Don't miss it." VINOUS

"Subtle and complex aromas of blackcurrants, fresh herbs, lavender, rosemary and oyster shell. Some moss, too. Very perfumed. Full-bodied yet integrated with refined tannins that melt into the palate. Extremely classy and polished. Hard not to drink now. Try after 2021, when the tannins will have integrated even better in the wine." James Suckling

"A rich, black cherry– and black currant–flavored red, accented by cedar, wild herb and spice notes, this is supple and vibrant, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and an emerging mineral element. Firms up nicely on the finish. Hard to keep from enjoying this now, but it will develop well with age." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of cedar, tobacco, blue flower and spiced plum fuse together in this elegantly structured, stunning red. One of Italy's most iconic wines, the smooth, compelling palate delivers flavors of black cherry, cassis, licorice and a hint of wild herb. Taut, polished tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity lends impeccable balance. A savory saline note lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"One of the secret of Bolgheri’s mediterranean and windy climate is to turn pyrazines from the Cabernets into extra-dimensional scents of citron and leafy aromas. Sassicaia has been producing Cabernet-based wines here since 1968, which are typically marked by this fresh character on the nose. There's a note of kiwi peel that's particularly intense in this 2016, along with some cedar. In this vintage, its character is - if possible - more restrained than usual and definitely more so than the exceptional 2015. Small dark fruits lurk in the depth of the super-youthful nose, while on the palate the wine is not completely ready to drink - despite the good integration of oak, the tannins are still crunchy, perfectly ripe yet chewy, pushed by a lively acidity. An extremely elegant Sassicaia with a refined finish, this is built for the long haul and is possibly the best of this decade." Decanter

"The 2016 Sassicaia is a wine of soaring achievement. I tasted this wine several times during the course of its creation in both barrel and bottle, and the highly deserved 100-point score you see here was enthusiastically assigned at the conclusion of a mini vertical in which I tasted and compared the 2016 vintage against 2015 (which I scored 97 points). It makes perfect sense to present these two excellent vintages in back-to-back comparison fashion because they are two of the best to emerge from Bolgheri, and indeed Tenuta San Guido, in recent memory. These are very similar vintages with long, hot summer months that fueled a long growing season. There was a bit more rain in 2016, and in analytical terms this vintage has a tad more acidity. However, the results in the glass are extraordinarily different. The 2015 vintage is exuberant, round, succulent and immediate, whereas the 2016 vintage shows pinpoint sharpness and precision (with similar grit and texture at the back). That acidity will carry it long into the future as the wine completes its slow evolutionary course. This wine is chiseled and sharp with blackberry, ripe cherry, grilled herb and barbecue spice. The aromas flow from the glass in a continuous stream and are all marked by radiant intensity. The mouthfeel is long and powerful. The crisp linearity of the wine's tannic backbone is perfectly measured to the volume and depth of the fruit flavors. To my mind, the 2016 Sassicaia stands tall next to the epic 1985 vintage that set the ultimate benchmark for vino italiano." Robert Parker