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

"Funkelndes Rubinrot. In der Nase auf saftigen Kirschen, dazu etwas Gewürznelken und schwarze Johannisbeeren, im Nachhall auch feine eisenhaltige Töne. Am Gaumen mit schönem Saft, trinkfreudig und kernig, zeigt schöne Kirschfrucht, sehr guter Speisenbegleiter." Falstaff

"A juicy and delicious red with aromas of blueberries, sliced mushrooms, currants, blackberry leaves, licorice and bergamot. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a creamy, round and fresh finish." 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

"Leuchtendes, intensives Rubin mit leichtem Violettschimmer. Eröffnet mit Noten nach würzigem Zedernholz, etwas Zimt, dann viel Brombeere und Heidelbeere. Stoffig und mit guter Dichte am Gaumen, zeigt dabei aber auch guten Trinkfluss, viel feinmaschiges Tannin, im Finale fester Druck." Falstaff

"Nice freshness on the palate with plums and berries and citrusy acidity. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a powdery texture. Hints of mushrooms. You can enjoy this young, but it will age nicely, too." James Suckling

"The 2020 Guidalberto is a gorgeous, classy wine. Less opulent than it can be, the 2020 impresses with its energy and drive. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, rose petal, cedar and pipe tobacco all take shape in this super-attractive, mid-weight offering from Tenuta San Guido. There's a bit more Merlot in the 2020, but Guidalberto is increasingly made from lots that don't make it into Sassicaia, which explains the style of recent vintages. This is a terrific showing, especially considering the recent bottling. It's a fine relative value in Bolgheri's high-rent district." Vinous

"The 2020 Guidalberto is taut and tight with plenty of tart cherry and wild berry. The wine offers great freshness and tension with bay leaf, spice, wild cherry and pressed lavender buds. There is a hint of black olive too." Robert Parker

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

"Funkelndes Rubinrot. In der Nase auf saftigen Kirschen, dazu etwas Gewürznelken und schwarze Johannisbeeren, im Nachhall auch feine eisenhaltige Töne. Am Gaumen mit schönem Saft, trinkfreudig und kernig, zeigt schöne Kirschfrucht, sehr guter Speisenbegleiter." Falstaff

"A juicy and delicious red with aromas of blueberries, sliced mushrooms, currants, blackberry leaves, licorice and bergamot. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a creamy, round and fresh finish." 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

"Leuchtendes, intensives Rubin mit leichtem Violettschimmer. Eröffnet mit Noten nach würzigem Zedernholz, etwas Zimt, dann viel Brombeere und Heidelbeere. Stoffig und mit guter Dichte am Gaumen, zeigt dabei aber auch guten Trinkfluss, viel feinmaschiges Tannin, im Finale fester Druck." Falstaff

"Nice freshness on the palate with plums and berries and citrusy acidity. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a powdery texture. Hints of mushrooms. You can enjoy this young, but it will age nicely, too." James Suckling

"The 2020 Guidalberto is a gorgeous, classy wine. Less opulent than it can be, the 2020 impresses with its energy and drive. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, rose petal, cedar and pipe tobacco all take shape in this super-attractive, mid-weight offering from Tenuta San Guido. There's a bit more Merlot in the 2020, but Guidalberto is increasingly made from lots that don't make it into Sassicaia, which explains the style of recent vintages. This is a terrific showing, especially considering the recent bottling. It's a fine relative value in Bolgheri's high-rent district." Vinous

"The 2020 Guidalberto is taut and tight with plenty of tart cherry and wild berry. The wine offers great freshness and tension with bay leaf, spice, wild cherry and pressed lavender buds. There is a hint of black olive too." Robert Parker

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

"Leuchtendes, intensives Rubin mit leichtem Violettschimmer. Eröffnet mit Noten nach würzigem Zedernholz, etwas Zimt, dann viel Brombeere und Heidelbeere. Stoffig und mit guter Dichte am Gaumen, zeigt dabei aber auch guten Trinkfluss, viel feinmaschiges Tannin, im Finale fester Druck." Falstaff

"Nice freshness on the palate with plums and berries and citrusy acidity. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a powdery texture. Hints of mushrooms. You can enjoy this young, but it will age nicely, too." James Suckling

"The 2020 Guidalberto is a gorgeous, classy wine. Less opulent than it can be, the 2020 impresses with its energy and drive. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, rose petal, cedar and pipe tobacco all take shape in this super-attractive, mid-weight offering from Tenuta San Guido. There's a bit more Merlot in the 2020, but Guidalberto is increasingly made from lots that don't make it into Sassicaia, which explains the style of recent vintages. This is a terrific showing, especially considering the recent bottling. It's a fine relative value in Bolgheri's high-rent district." Vinous

"The 2020 Guidalberto is taut and tight with plenty of tart cherry and wild berry. The wine offers great freshness and tension with bay leaf, spice, wild cherry and pressed lavender buds. There is a hint of black olive too." Robert Parker

Sassicaia 2019 ist einer der schönsten und ausgewogensten Jahrgänge der letzten zehn Jahre. Er vereint die Präzision des 2016er mit der Fruchtfülle des 2015er. Ähnlich wie der klassische Jahrgang 2016 wurde der Jahrgang 2019 von den kühlenden Meeresbrisen beeinflusst, die durch den toskanischen Archipel direkt vor der Küste von Bolgheri wehen. Das einzigartige Mikroklima von Bolgheri kommt mit Kraft, Komplexität und Intensität zum Ausdruck.

Im Bouquet reichhaltig nach dunklem Steinobst, im Antrunk mit ätherischen Noten, umwerfender Eleganz und geradezu einmalig schönen Textur und Frische. Das Tannin meisterlich gewirkt, im weiteren Verlauf ein Potpourri von dunklen Beeren-Aromen und feinen Gewürzen. Beeindruckend auch das harmonische Spiel von Frucht, Säure und Tannin, welches einen weiten Bogen bis in ein unvergessliches Finale spannt. Sassicaia 2019 ist ein Wein zum Sammeln und Aufbewahren. SUPERIORE.DE

"Der Pionier dieser Region, häufig Primus Inter Pares mit zwei, drei anderen, führt auch in diesem Jahr das Feld an. Das Bouquet ist edel und finessenreich und sowas von typisch Sassicaia, dass mir immer wieder der Spruch des alten Mario Incisa della Rocchetta in den Sinn kommt, der den Sassicaia schuf, weil er vom Duft edler Bordeaux bezaubert war. Er zeigt sich im Duft betörend floral, elegant und sublim mit vielen Facetten. Da der Jahrgang in vielen Punkten dem des 2016ers ähnelt, drängen sich Vergleiche auf. Dieser ist für mich noch etwas graziöser, ausladender mit den typischen Noten von Cassis, erdiger Würze, Waldboden und Veilchen. Im Mund dicht und finessenreich, mit unfassbar seidiger Textur und super Länge." Weinwisser

"Kaum ein Jahrgang in dem dieser Monolith des italienischen Geschmacks nicht überzeugt: Auch 2019 braucht er einiges an Belüftung, aber dann erfreuen unter anderem Nuancen von Heidelbeerkonfitüre, Gewürzen und Veilchen; am Gaumen mit Schliff und Finesse, die jugendlichen Gerbstoffe und die Säure präzise, beeindruckende Evolution hin zu einem herausragenden Wein mit Charakter und nichtsdestotrotz überbordender Eleganz."  Vinum

"Kraftvolles, funkelndes Rubin. Intensive und klare Nase mit viel prägnanter Frucht, Johannisbeere und Maulbeere, dann feine Noten nach Zedernnadeln und würzigem Zedernholz, leichte harzige Noten im Hintergrund. Zeigt sich im Ansatz kühl und geschliffen, viel saftige dunkle Beerenfrucht, öffnet sich mit griffigem, dichtem Tannin in vielen Schichten, baut sich lange auf, im hinteren Verlauf sehr mächtig, satter Druck, sehr langer Nachhall, im Finale etwas Tabak und dezente Minzenoten, ein Wein mit großer und langer Zukunft, Druck und Eleganz." Falstaff

"Rose petal, dried herbs, blood orange, mint, sweet pipe tobacco and cinnamon give the 2019 striking aromatic presence. The 2019 is a mid-weight, very classic feeling Sassicaia that is going to need a number of years to open. There's good fruit depth, but the tannins are not as polished as they usually are. That could be a result of lingering stress from frost that year or recent bottling. The 2019 shows beautifully with a few hours of aeration, so I am optimistic for the future. Let's see what happens." Vinous

"Supple and beautifully defined, with black cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit augmented by tobacco, iron and thyme. Firmly structured, tightening up as this lingers with an aftertaste of dark fruit, graphite and spice. Shows a sense of elegance as well as power and intensity." Wine Spectator

"The bouquet is up front and very expressive from the get-go. It offers a generous display of crunchy, dark cherry that hints at the extra concentration and fruit weight obtained in the 2019 growing season. This vintage will be remembered for the crisp richness of the fruit and its important textural imprint. It also shows fine elegance, bordering on the ethereal, with berry aromas, tarry earth and brushes of balsam herb or grilled rosemary. Sassicaia always shows an almost-glossy finely knit quality to the polished mouthfeel, and I find it again here next to fresh acidity and firm tannins. Mouthfeel in 2019 is the wine's strongest suit. The 2019 is one of the prettiest and most balanced editions of Sassicaia we've seen this past decade, along with the back-to-back duo of 2016 and 2015. The 2019 marries the precision of the 2016 with the rich fruit weight of the 2015." Robert Parker

"Enticing aromas of blue flower, cassis, camphor and spice are front and center in this stunning red. The lithe, savory palate features black currant, red plum and star anise while tobacco notes linger on the long finish. Elegant, polished tannins and bright acidity keep it beautifully balanced and focused." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of cabernet sauvignon fruit is exceptional here, with character and sensibility that’s reminiscent of some of the great Sassicaias from the 1980s, such as 1982 or 1988. But this is much more precise and clean. Aromas and flavors of currants and berries with cedar and earth. Sage and minty character, too. It’s full-bodied yet there’s so much polish and balance, together with structure, elegance, and refinement. Hard not to drink at this stage, yet give it time and respect. This will be a classic Sass and reminds me why I love this wine. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Sassicaia 2019 spent 25 months in oak (one-third new). ‘We are going longer in oak in the past few years,’ said Carlo Paoli, managing director of Tenuta San Guido. Quite pale in the glass, the nose is extremely graceful and intense with a lavender note enhanced by restrained bramble fruits, fermented citrus peel, an intense violet aroma and graphite minerality in depth. The attack is soft and full, the flavor savoury and cedary through to the finish, with integrated velvety tannins and lifted acidity. A perfectly woven structure is bound with signature freshness and fruit vibrancy, making this one for the long haul." Decanter

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

"Fest, klar und geschliffen in der Nase, komplexer, nobler Duft nach roten und noch mehr schwarzen Beeren mit Noten von hellen Kirschen, feinen floralen und kräuterigen Aromen, einer Spur Kandis, tabakigen Nuancen, Wacholder, Pfeffer, feinstem Süßholz und einem Hauch Blutorange. Sehr noble und feine, geschliffene, saftige Frucht mit zart schokoladigen Nuancen, an Bergkräuter erinnernden und sehr feinen kräuterigen Aromen sowie einem Hauch rosa Pfeffer und Minze, nachhaltig und dicht am Gaumen, dabei hochelegant, sehr feine, lebendige Säure und erstklassige Tannine, nachhaltig, tief und vielschichtig, durchgezeichnet, salzig im Hintergrund, angedeutet Zitruszesten, noch gänzlich unentwickelt, aber dennoch schon heute betörend, baut viel mehr auf Finesse als auf Kraft, auch wenn er kein ausgesprochenes Leichtgewicht ist, langer, vielschichtiger, regelrecht betörender Abgang." Marcus Hofschuster (wein-plus.eu)

"Leuchtendes, sattes Purpurrot. Ganz klares Bouquet mit herrlich reifem Beerenduft, frisch gepflückten roten Beeren wie Kirsche und Himbeer. Am Gaumen wieder mit sehr klarer, pikanter Frucht, noch völlig unentwickelt, sehr jugendlich, aber ungemein druckvoll, da ist etwas Grosses im Werden." Weinwisser

"Glänzendes, tiefdunkles Rubin mit feinem Granatschimmer. Eröffnet in der Nase mit viel präsenter, saftiger Frucht, nach Cassis, Heidelbeeren und Brombeeren, klar und einprägsam. Zeigt am Gaumen viel saftige, frische Frucht, öffnet sich mit geschliffenem, hoch­elegantem Tannin, im Kern aber mit viel Energie, spannt einen weiten Bogen, sehr langer Nachhall." Falstaff

"A racy, tightly wound style, this offers violet, black currant, cherry, wild herb, spice and mineral flavors matched to a dense, smooth texture. Shows finesse and intensity in a seemingly effortless manner. The aftertaste is long and focused. Should provide years of pleasure." Wine Spectator

"The 2013 Sassicaia is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Rich, layered and expansive on the palate, the 2013 possesses remarkable depth, spherical texture and fine, silky tannins that wrap around the finish. A first sample, taken from a parcel in Mandrione shows remarkable perfume, while a second sample, from 40 year-old vines in Castiglioncello is all about density and power. There is a lot to look forward to here, that much is obvious." Vinous

"The 2013 Bolgheri Sassicaia is released 30 years after the death of Tenuta San Guido founder, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, and in the same year that his son Nicolò celebrated his 80th birthday. This is a wine of excellent execution, beautiful balance and seamless intensity. The bouquet opens slowly to reveal delicate aromas of dark fruit and integrated spice that build in steady strength. That forward momentum, which is so specific to Sassicaia, is what ultimately brings us confidence in the wine's remarkable ageing potential. The mouthfeel delivers freshness and power, but in measured doses, with long and silky persistence. The 2013 vintage should be set aside for ten more years." Robert Parker

"Fabulous structure for a Sassicaia with powerful, polished, chewy tannins and ripe, subtle fruit. Aromas of blueberry, black currant, rosemary and lavender. Full body, bright acidity and a savory finish. Juicy and lively. Better to drink this beginning 2020 but so impressive now." James Suckling

"Red berry, cedar and light spice aromas lead the way on this dazzling red. The vibrant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering bright red currant, red raspberry, white pepper and chopped herb alongside bright acidity and firm, polished tannins. Impeccably balanced, it's loaded with elegance, energy and intensity but it's still young, so give it time to fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

"The Sassicaia 2013 is just beautiful, and it takes a leap forward in quality. There is even greater precision and transparency with the aromas and flavours, there is a wonderful harmony and ease on the palate and there are even finer, and more seamless tannins on this wine. According to my co-host, Priscilla Incisa Della Rocchetta 2013 was a 'record vintage for Sassicaia'. Carlo Paoli adds, 'spring arrived early but without excess, summer started slowly and was only hot for 20 days and they started harvest mid-September for Cabernet Sauvignon. Everything was slow, calm and beautiful.' The 2013 is at the beginning of its drinking window and drinking beautifully now, but it still has a long time to go." Decanter

"Funkelndes, sattes Rubin. Intensive und fein gezeichnete Nase, duftet nach Johannisbeeren, Waldhimbeeren und Macchiakräutern, etwas Olivenpaste. Am Gaumen superb, zeigt viel funkelnde Säure, lebhaft und tiefgründig, baut sich schön auf, sehr kompakt, viel zugängliche Frucht, dazu feinmaschiges, gut gereiftes Tannin, im Finale nach Tabak, vereint gekonnt Kraft und Eleganz." Falstaff

"Really classy stuff. Great balance. Very grown-up and sophisticated. Very dry and restrained and different from most." James Suckling

"Refined and elegant, this is right in step with the reserve of the vintage. Blackberry, plum, cassis and mineral flavors play out with subtle oak spice notes on the finish, where this flexes some muscle." Wine Spectator

"The 2008 Sassicaia is a rich, deep wine imbued with notable class in its black cherries, plums, grilled herbs, minerals and smoke. The 2008 is a decidedly buttoned-up, firm Sassicaia that is currently holding back much of its potential, unlike the 2006 and 2007, both of which were far more obvious wines. Readers who can afford to wait will be treated to a sublime wine once this settles down in bottle. Muscular, firm tannins frame the exquisite finish in this dark, implosive Sassicaia." Vinous

"The 2008 Sassicaia is a rich, deep wine imbued with notable class in its black cherries, plums, grilled herbs, minerals and smoke. The 2008 is a decidedly buttoned-up, firm Sassicaia that is currently holding back much of its potential, unlike the 2006 and 2007, both of which were far more obvious wines. Readers who can afford to wait will be treated to a sublime wine once this settles down in bottle. Muscular, firm tannins frame the exquisite finish in this dark, implosive Sassicaia." Robert Parker

"This is the best young Sassicaia in years. It's the new 1988 – which was great, sometimes better than the legendary 1985. What incredible aromas here with blueberries, spices, licorice, plums. Graphite too. Subtle and complex. Full and silky with a beautiful texture of fine tannins and an ultra-fine finish. So beautiful now but will be much better in 2015." James Suckling

"Recently implemented winemaker and cellar changes make this one of the best Sassicaias ever. This Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc blend delivers thick concentration and sun-kissed aromas of black fruit, prune, dried bay leaf, black olive and tobacco. The thick, fertile soils that characterize the magical strip of coastal Tuscany at Bolgheri help shape amazing richness and intensity." Wine Enthusiast

"Dense, intense chocolate and damson colour. On the nose things are still very closed despite its age. Although the palate is heading to the splitting point where the tertiary aromatics and flavours are making their appearance, though they're held back by the primary vibrant blackberry fruits and a seam of Sassicaia freshness, with a bite of liquorice root. After a moment in the glass, the nose starts to open. Undergrowth notes are most clear at first, followed by black truffles. This is slowly opening up, taking time and patience. A clearly great vintage, and one that has many years ahead of it." Decanter

Sassicaia 2006 ist ein ungemein typischer Bolgheri. Kurz gesagt: ein Klassiker, reif in der Nase und am Gaumen mit schönem Ausdruck von schwarzer Johannisbeere und Lorbeerblatt neben einer prachtvollen Würzigkeit. Im weiteren Verlauf Noten nach Cassis, eingelegten Kirschen, im Hintergrund ein Hauch Leder. Ein Jahrgang, der insbesondere nach den Jahren der Reife mit seinem feinmaschigen Tannin und mediterranen Gepräge vollends überzeugt. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vibrant dark crimson. Very much the opposite of Rollandian style. Lovely freshness and relaxed fluidity. Great stuff. Great balance and only just ready." Jancis Robinson

"Displays sweet tobacco, plum and berry aromas, with a jammy undertone, turning to licorice on the palate. Full-bodied and balanced, with silky tannins, a lovely texture and plenty of fruit. Outstanding Sassicaia, with structure and finesse." Wine Spectator

"Sweet tobacco and berry with hints of currants. Full, soft and silky. Lots of fruit and a long finish. It's subtle, dense and sophisticated." James Suckling

"The Tenuta San Guido 2006 Bolgheri Sassicaia is a timeless classic. This might just be the vintage to photograph in an encyclopedia entry for Sassicaia. This is especially true at this exact moment in its long and promising drinking window. The wine shows less volume compared to some of the more opulent vintages, but it absolutely excels in terms of length and finish. It offers amazing drive and momentum that are fueled by the extremely fine nature of the wine's texture and the seamless unity of its flavors." Robert Parker

"The 2006 Sassicaia may very well go down as one of the all-time great recent vintages for this Tuscan thoroughbred. The year started off very warm but by August evening temperatures had moderated, leaving the fruit with a stunning combination of ripeness, perfume, acidity and tannin. The wine is simply glorious, that's all there is to it. Layers of dark fruit meld into smoke, leather, violets, menthol, earthiness and tar as this profound wine opens up in the glass. The creamy, silky finish lasts an eternity, as waves of fruit caress the tannins with breathtaking elegance. Everything is in the right place in this magical Sassicaia. This is one for the ages. In a word: Awesome." Vinous

"To be honest I gave the Sassicaia 1985 a 100 points at the same tasting, but those notes have already been published, and it’s a vintage that has been celebrated plenty of times. Both bottles were from one of the standout tastings of the year – in Rome, a vertical of Sassicaia dating back over five decades. This 2006 has guts and glory, there is stuffing here. The exotic heat comes through like a pan-seared filet steak, nothing more than a flash fire that gives way to succulence. More exoticism with the dancing array of flavours, from plums, damson and spices to forest fruits and heather then the menthol kicks comes in. You just want to linger over this glass, pick apart the individual flavours and get to understand what it is saying." Decanter

"Fest, klar und geschliffen in der Nase, komplexer, nobler Duft nach roten und noch mehr schwarzen Beeren mit Noten von hellen Kirschen, feinen floralen und kräuterigen Aromen, einer Spur Kandis, tabakigen Nuancen, Wacholder, Pfeffer, feinstem Süßholz und einem Hauch Blutorange. Sehr noble und feine, geschliffene, saftige Frucht mit zart schokoladigen Nuancen, an Bergkräuter erinnernden und sehr feinen kräuterigen Aromen sowie einem Hauch rosa Pfeffer und Minze, nachhaltig und dicht am Gaumen, dabei hochelegant, sehr feine, lebendige Säure und erstklassige Tannine, nachhaltig, tief und vielschichtig, durchgezeichnet, salzig im Hintergrund, angedeutet Zitruszesten, noch gänzlich unentwickelt, aber dennoch schon heute betörend, baut viel mehr auf Finesse als auf Kraft, auch wenn er kein ausgesprochenes Leichtgewicht ist, langer, vielschichtiger, regelrecht betörender Abgang." Marcus Hofschuster (wein-plus.eu)

"Leuchtendes, sattes Purpurrot. Ganz klares Bouquet mit herrlich reifem Beerenduft, frisch gepflückten roten Beeren wie Kirsche und Himbeer. Am Gaumen wieder mit sehr klarer, pikanter Frucht, noch völlig unentwickelt, sehr jugendlich, aber ungemein druckvoll, da ist etwas Grosses im Werden." Weinwisser

"Glänzendes, tiefdunkles Rubin mit feinem Granatschimmer. Eröffnet in der Nase mit viel präsenter, saftiger Frucht, nach Cassis, Heidelbeeren und Brombeeren, klar und einprägsam. Zeigt am Gaumen viel saftige, frische Frucht, öffnet sich mit geschliffenem, hoch­elegantem Tannin, im Kern aber mit viel Energie, spannt einen weiten Bogen, sehr langer Nachhall." Falstaff

"A racy, tightly wound style, this offers violet, black currant, cherry, wild herb, spice and mineral flavors matched to a dense, smooth texture. Shows finesse and intensity in a seemingly effortless manner. The aftertaste is long and focused. Should provide years of pleasure." Wine Spectator

"The 2013 Sassicaia is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Rich, layered and expansive on the palate, the 2013 possesses remarkable depth, spherical texture and fine, silky tannins that wrap around the finish. A first sample, taken from a parcel in Mandrione shows remarkable perfume, while a second sample, from 40 year-old vines in Castiglioncello is all about density and power. There is a lot to look forward to here, that much is obvious." Vinous

"The 2013 Bolgheri Sassicaia is released 30 years after the death of Tenuta San Guido founder, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, and in the same year that his son Nicolò celebrated his 80th birthday. This is a wine of excellent execution, beautiful balance and seamless intensity. The bouquet opens slowly to reveal delicate aromas of dark fruit and integrated spice that build in steady strength. That forward momentum, which is so specific to Sassicaia, is what ultimately brings us confidence in the wine's remarkable ageing potential. The mouthfeel delivers freshness and power, but in measured doses, with long and silky persistence. The 2013 vintage should be set aside for ten more years." Robert Parker

"Fabulous structure for a Sassicaia with powerful, polished, chewy tannins and ripe, subtle fruit. Aromas of blueberry, black currant, rosemary and lavender. Full body, bright acidity and a savory finish. Juicy and lively. Better to drink this beginning 2020 but so impressive now." James Suckling

"Red berry, cedar and light spice aromas lead the way on this dazzling red. The vibrant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering bright red currant, red raspberry, white pepper and chopped herb alongside bright acidity and firm, polished tannins. Impeccably balanced, it's loaded with elegance, energy and intensity but it's still young, so give it time to fully develop." Wine Enthusiast

"The Sassicaia 2013 is just beautiful, and it takes a leap forward in quality. There is even greater precision and transparency with the aromas and flavours, there is a wonderful harmony and ease on the palate and there are even finer, and more seamless tannins on this wine. According to my co-host, Priscilla Incisa Della Rocchetta 2013 was a 'record vintage for Sassicaia'. Carlo Paoli adds, 'spring arrived early but without excess, summer started slowly and was only hot for 20 days and they started harvest mid-September for Cabernet Sauvignon. Everything was slow, calm and beautiful.' The 2013 is at the beginning of its drinking window and drinking beautifully now, but it still has a long time to go." Decanter

Sassicaia 2006 ist ein ungemein typischer Bolgheri. Kurz gesagt: ein Klassiker, reif in der Nase und am Gaumen mit schönem Ausdruck von schwarzer Johannisbeere und Lorbeerblatt neben einer prachtvollen Würzigkeit. Im weiteren Verlauf Noten nach Cassis, eingelegten Kirschen, im Hintergrund ein Hauch Leder. Ein Jahrgang, der insbesondere nach den Jahren der Reife mit seinem feinmaschigen Tannin und mediterranen Gepräge vollends überzeugt. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vibrant dark crimson. Very much the opposite of Rollandian style. Lovely freshness and relaxed fluidity. Great stuff. Great balance and only just ready." Jancis Robinson

"Displays sweet tobacco, plum and berry aromas, with a jammy undertone, turning to licorice on the palate. Full-bodied and balanced, with silky tannins, a lovely texture and plenty of fruit. Outstanding Sassicaia, with structure and finesse." Wine Spectator

"Sweet tobacco and berry with hints of currants. Full, soft and silky. Lots of fruit and a long finish. It's subtle, dense and sophisticated." James Suckling

"The Tenuta San Guido 2006 Bolgheri Sassicaia is a timeless classic. This might just be the vintage to photograph in an encyclopedia entry for Sassicaia. This is especially true at this exact moment in its long and promising drinking window. The wine shows less volume compared to some of the more opulent vintages, but it absolutely excels in terms of length and finish. It offers amazing drive and momentum that are fueled by the extremely fine nature of the wine's texture and the seamless unity of its flavors." Robert Parker

"The 2006 Sassicaia may very well go down as one of the all-time great recent vintages for this Tuscan thoroughbred. The year started off very warm but by August evening temperatures had moderated, leaving the fruit with a stunning combination of ripeness, perfume, acidity and tannin. The wine is simply glorious, that's all there is to it. Layers of dark fruit meld into smoke, leather, violets, menthol, earthiness and tar as this profound wine opens up in the glass. The creamy, silky finish lasts an eternity, as waves of fruit caress the tannins with breathtaking elegance. Everything is in the right place in this magical Sassicaia. This is one for the ages. In a word: Awesome." Vinous

"To be honest I gave the Sassicaia 1985 a 100 points at the same tasting, but those notes have already been published, and it’s a vintage that has been celebrated plenty of times. Both bottles were from one of the standout tastings of the year – in Rome, a vertical of Sassicaia dating back over five decades. This 2006 has guts and glory, there is stuffing here. The exotic heat comes through like a pan-seared filet steak, nothing more than a flash fire that gives way to succulence. More exoticism with the dancing array of flavours, from plums, damson and spices to forest fruits and heather then the menthol kicks comes in. You just want to linger over this glass, pick apart the individual flavours and get to understand what it is saying." Decanter

Sassicaia 2019 ist einer der schönsten und ausgewogensten Jahrgänge der letzten zehn Jahre. Er vereint die Präzision des 2016er mit der Fruchtfülle des 2015er. Ähnlich wie der klassische Jahrgang 2016 wurde der Jahrgang 2019 von den kühlenden Meeresbrisen beeinflusst, die durch den toskanischen Archipel direkt vor der Küste von Bolgheri wehen. Das einzigartige Mikroklima von Bolgheri kommt mit Kraft, Komplexität und Intensität zum Ausdruck.

Im Bouquet reichhaltig nach dunklem Steinobst, im Antrunk mit ätherischen Noten, umwerfender Eleganz und geradezu einmalig schönen Textur und Frische. Das Tannin meisterlich gewirkt, im weiteren Verlauf ein Potpourri von dunklen Beeren-Aromen und feinen Gewürzen. Beeindruckend auch das harmonische Spiel von Frucht, Säure und Tannin, welches einen weiten Bogen bis in ein unvergessliches Finale spannt. Sassicaia 2019 ist ein Wein zum Sammeln und Aufbewahren. SUPERIORE.DE

"Der Pionier dieser Region, häufig Primus Inter Pares mit zwei, drei anderen, führt auch in diesem Jahr das Feld an. Das Bouquet ist edel und finessenreich und sowas von typisch Sassicaia, dass mir immer wieder der Spruch des alten Mario Incisa della Rocchetta in den Sinn kommt, der den Sassicaia schuf, weil er vom Duft edler Bordeaux bezaubert war. Er zeigt sich im Duft betörend floral, elegant und sublim mit vielen Facetten. Da der Jahrgang in vielen Punkten dem des 2016ers ähnelt, drängen sich Vergleiche auf. Dieser ist für mich noch etwas graziöser, ausladender mit den typischen Noten von Cassis, erdiger Würze, Waldboden und Veilchen. Im Mund dicht und finessenreich, mit unfassbar seidiger Textur und super Länge." Weinwisser

"Kaum ein Jahrgang in dem dieser Monolith des italienischen Geschmacks nicht überzeugt: Auch 2019 braucht er einiges an Belüftung, aber dann erfreuen unter anderem Nuancen von Heidelbeerkonfitüre, Gewürzen und Veilchen; am Gaumen mit Schliff und Finesse, die jugendlichen Gerbstoffe und die Säure präzise, beeindruckende Evolution hin zu einem herausragenden Wein mit Charakter und nichtsdestotrotz überbordender Eleganz."  Vinum

"Kraftvolles, funkelndes Rubin. Intensive und klare Nase mit viel prägnanter Frucht, Johannisbeere und Maulbeere, dann feine Noten nach Zedernnadeln und würzigem Zedernholz, leichte harzige Noten im Hintergrund. Zeigt sich im Ansatz kühl und geschliffen, viel saftige dunkle Beerenfrucht, öffnet sich mit griffigem, dichtem Tannin in vielen Schichten, baut sich lange auf, im hinteren Verlauf sehr mächtig, satter Druck, sehr langer Nachhall, im Finale etwas Tabak und dezente Minzenoten, ein Wein mit großer und langer Zukunft, Druck und Eleganz." Falstaff

"Rose petal, dried herbs, blood orange, mint, sweet pipe tobacco and cinnamon give the 2019 striking aromatic presence. The 2019 is a mid-weight, very classic feeling Sassicaia that is going to need a number of years to open. There's good fruit depth, but the tannins are not as polished as they usually are. That could be a result of lingering stress from frost that year or recent bottling. The 2019 shows beautifully with a few hours of aeration, so I am optimistic for the future. Let's see what happens." Vinous

"Supple and beautifully defined, with black cherry, black currant and blackberry fruit augmented by tobacco, iron and thyme. Firmly structured, tightening up as this lingers with an aftertaste of dark fruit, graphite and spice. Shows a sense of elegance as well as power and intensity." Wine Spectator

"The bouquet is up front and very expressive from the get-go. It offers a generous display of crunchy, dark cherry that hints at the extra concentration and fruit weight obtained in the 2019 growing season. This vintage will be remembered for the crisp richness of the fruit and its important textural imprint. It also shows fine elegance, bordering on the ethereal, with berry aromas, tarry earth and brushes of balsam herb or grilled rosemary. Sassicaia always shows an almost-glossy finely knit quality to the polished mouthfeel, and I find it again here next to fresh acidity and firm tannins. Mouthfeel in 2019 is the wine's strongest suit. The 2019 is one of the prettiest and most balanced editions of Sassicaia we've seen this past decade, along with the back-to-back duo of 2016 and 2015. The 2019 marries the precision of the 2016 with the rich fruit weight of the 2015." Robert Parker

"Enticing aromas of blue flower, cassis, camphor and spice are front and center in this stunning red. The lithe, savory palate features black currant, red plum and star anise while tobacco notes linger on the long finish. Elegant, polished tannins and bright acidity keep it beautifully balanced and focused." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of cabernet sauvignon fruit is exceptional here, with character and sensibility that’s reminiscent of some of the great Sassicaias from the 1980s, such as 1982 or 1988. But this is much more precise and clean. Aromas and flavors of currants and berries with cedar and earth. Sage and minty character, too. It’s full-bodied yet there’s so much polish and balance, together with structure, elegance, and refinement. Hard not to drink at this stage, yet give it time and respect. This will be a classic Sass and reminds me why I love this wine. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Sassicaia 2019 spent 25 months in oak (one-third new). ‘We are going longer in oak in the past few years,’ said Carlo Paoli, managing director of Tenuta San Guido. Quite pale in the glass, the nose is extremely graceful and intense with a lavender note enhanced by restrained bramble fruits, fermented citrus peel, an intense violet aroma and graphite minerality in depth. The attack is soft and full, the flavor savoury and cedary through to the finish, with integrated velvety tannins and lifted acidity. A perfectly woven structure is bound with signature freshness and fruit vibrancy, making this one for the long haul." Decanter