Tenuta San Guido

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

The olive oil from the legendary Tenuta San Guido is in no way inferior to the world-famous wines, reflecting the multi-layered soul of the winery. The Leccino, Moraiolo, Pendolino and Frantoio varieties thrive on around 110 hectares of olive groves in Bolgheri near Livorno. On the demanding soil, the trees are not arranged in the traditional way, but grow in rows between fields and vineyards, as is typical of Tuscan agriculture.

This outstanding Olio di Oliva Extra Vergine, which is obtained exclusively by mechanical means, is greenish-yellow in colour with shimmering reflections. Its flavour is balanced yet complex. This promise is 100% fulfilled on the palate: spicy, peppery notes, hints of almonds and a surprisingly fruity finish. It goes perfectly with bruschetta, fagioli all'olio and grilled fish. SUPERIORE.DE

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Guidalberto is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has its own vines, some of which are inside and some outside the Sassicaia DOC. A very subtle wine with ripe, charming fruit and a velvety texture. It is more elegant and refined than before." Weinwisser

"Gently shining ruby red colour. Multi-layered bouquet, opens on ripe wild berries, redcurrant, notes of juniper, cedar and black pepper, a touch of lilac. Silky attack, precise fruit on very well-integrated, fine tannins, elegant and with gentle pressure in the long final." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of aromas of herbs and sea breeze amid bright, tangy berries. In the mouth, it is savoury and precise, with a juiciness to the concentrated core of plums and black berries and a gracefulness to the tannin and acidity structures that weave through it. Juicy and incredibly flavoursome, with a wonderfully ripe red berry finish, this wine really stands on its own two feet." Decanter

"Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to go with the redcurrants and oranges on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crisp tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crisp and energetic personality. It should be given another year or two to develop, but it is already very good for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2022 gives you a good taste of the same DNA that gives us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it is offered here in a more immediate style. This warm vintage opens with a medium-dark concentration and very powerful aromas that immediately remind you of blackberries and blackcurrants lying in the sun at the farmers' market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a nice level of elegance conveyed by the freshness of the fruit and the slight oak spice that is noticeable here, but with grace." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is elegant, despite its firm structure and dense tannins. The flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, iron and rosemary hold court, with all components balanced. The finish is long, with a salty flavour." Wine Spectator

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from San Guido. For us, it is one of Tuscany's finest price-quality wonders. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red delivers cherry, berry and rose flavors shaded by earth and a touch of minerality. Tips to the tannic side on the finish, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"Le Difese 2021 is predominantly Sangiovese (55%), departing from the traditional 70/30 split in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon. The third generation of Tenuta San Guido, Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, explained that this decision was made to enhance the "local Tuscan" character of the wine and improve its drinkability at an early stage as a "first step into the world of Tenuta San Guido". While the Cabernet is grown on the estate, the Sangiovese is, as always, sourced from long-standing partners in Chianti Rufina. Bright, incredibly vibrant red, black and blue fruits are accompanied by subtle, fine-grained tannins with notes of wood and chocolate. It is simultaneously juicy, tangy and crisp, with good ripeness and great acidity." Decanter

"The 2021 Le Difese smells of crushed red berries, rose petals, lavender, spices and sweet pipe tobacco. The 2021 is medium-bodied, but beautifully complex and impeccably balanced. Even at this early stage, it is a real pleasure. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a classic flavour that is very appealing. It is one of my favourite vintages of recent years. As has been the case for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from various estates in Chianti Classico, with the energy of the Sangiovese coming through very strongly in this vintage." Vinous

"Dark, sparkling ruby red colour. Opens up on the nose to ripe sour cherry and blueberries, followed by notes of sage and wood spice. Flattering on the palate, with pithy tannins and concentrated fruit, pleasant right through to the lingering final." Falstaff

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Concentrated and dense, with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry and black currant, this red also reveals black olive and iron accents. The tannins clamp down for now, yet this is balanced overall, with everything well-proportioned." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackcurrants, dark cherries, chocolate, ground spices and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied with compact but supple and polished tannins. Spicy notes with hints of dried mushrooms and chocolate. Attractive with a lingering finish." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2021, an assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from San Guido, is soft, juicy and seductive right from the start. The supple contours of the Merlot lend fleshiness to this medium-bodied, racy Maremma blend. Ripe red cherry fruit, spice, leather and tobacco are beautifully brought to the fore. Best of all, the 2021 will be easy to drink right from the start." Vinous

"The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Guidalberto, a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, shows tart cherry fruit with dark blackberry and plum tones. This vintage delivers particularly edgy and focussed fruit characteristics, elegantly framed by light spice, cola and earth. This vintage shows a heightened sense of intensity and territorial identity that is the hallmark of this storied winery." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, intense ruby-purple colour. Opens with appealing notes of mint, blackberry and mulberry, with spicy cedar wood in the background. Fine-meshed, polished tannins characterise the palate, present, clear fruit, beautiful drinking flow." Falstaff

"According to Carlo Paoli, the winemaking director of Tenuta San Guido, the 2021 is the best Guidalberto he has ever produced. The proportion of Merlot was reduced to the typical 40% this year because the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon was so good. The Guidalberto 2021 has a very deep colour, almost black with a narrow purple rim. It took about an hour to really open up, but then it had a wonderful range of aromas and flavours. Notes of cassis and blueberries, blue flowers, violets and iris are followed by a palate full of perfectly ripe blackberries and blueberries enveloped in smooth, creamy flavours. A wine of velvety richness balanced by vibrant acidity, with very pure, concentrated aromas and flavours. Delicious!" Decanter

"This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which has now undergone a refined stylistic redesign, also stands out: a wine with a nose of blackberries, with notes of Mediterranean scrub and rhubarb, then nuances of eucalyptus. Taut and crisp, with spicy tannins, juicy and beautifully persistent." Luca Gardini

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Guidalberto is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has its own vines, some of which are inside and some outside the Sassicaia DOC. A very subtle wine with ripe, charming fruit and a velvety texture. It is more elegant and refined than before." Weinwisser

"Gently shining ruby red colour. Multi-layered bouquet, opens on ripe wild berries, redcurrant, notes of juniper, cedar and black pepper, a touch of lilac. Silky attack, precise fruit on very well-integrated, fine tannins, elegant and with gentle pressure in the long final." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of aromas of herbs and sea breeze amid bright, tangy berries. In the mouth, it is savoury and precise, with a juiciness to the concentrated core of plums and black berries and a gracefulness to the tannin and acidity structures that weave through it. Juicy and incredibly flavoursome, with a wonderfully ripe red berry finish, this wine really stands on its own two feet." Decanter

"Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to go with the redcurrants and oranges on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crisp tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crisp and energetic personality. It should be given another year or two to develop, but it is already very good for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2022 gives you a good taste of the same DNA that gives us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it is offered here in a more immediate style. This warm vintage opens with a medium-dark concentration and very powerful aromas that immediately remind you of blackberries and blackcurrants lying in the sun at the farmers' market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a nice level of elegance conveyed by the freshness of the fruit and the slight oak spice that is noticeable here, but with grace." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is elegant, despite its firm structure and dense tannins. Flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, iron and rosemary hold court, while all components are balanced. The finish is long, with a salty flavour." Wine Spectator

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Guidalberto is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has its own vines, some of which are inside and some outside the Sassicaia DOC. A very subtle wine with ripe, charming fruit and a velvety texture. It is more elegant and refined than before." Weinwisser

"Gently shining ruby red colour. Multi-layered bouquet, opens on ripe wild berries, redcurrant, notes of juniper, cedar and black pepper, a touch of lilac. Silky attack, precise fruit on very well-integrated, fine tannins, elegant and with gentle pressure in the long final." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of aromas of herbs and sea breeze amid bright, tangy berries. In the mouth, it is savoury and precise, with a juiciness to the concentrated core of plums and black berries and a gracefulness to the tannin and acidity structures that weave through it. Juicy and incredibly flavoursome, with a wonderfully ripe red berry finish, this wine really stands on its own two feet." Decanter

"Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to go with the redcurrants and oranges on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crisp tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crisp and energetic personality. It should be given another year or two to develop, but it is already very good for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2022 gives you a good taste of the same DNA that gives us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it is offered here in a more immediate style. This warm vintage opens with a medium-dark concentration and very powerful aromas that immediately remind you of blackberries and blackcurrants lying in the sun at the farmers' market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a nice level of elegance conveyed by the freshness of the fruit and the slight oak spice that is noticeable here, but with grace." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is elegant, despite its firm structure and dense tannins. Flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, iron and rosemary hold court, while all components are balanced. The finish is long, with a salty flavour." Wine Spectator

Sassicaia 2020 is in one word: magical. Even at a young age, it displays an aromatic richness and intensity that delights us. The optimal climate has favoured its very Mediterranean character, resulting in a fresh and very direct wine that delights all the senses. Everything is in its place here and the omnipresent fruit is given an extra place on the podium in this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium purple colour, the bottom of the glass is clearly visible. Intense nose with a hint of iodine. Great spiciness that seems more Tuscan than Bordeaux. Long-lasting and with a very long finish. Embryonic, but convincing that it has a good future ahead of it. Subtle rather than flashy. I wouldn't guess it's 14%. I aerated it and left it in a young wine decanter for an hour and it was a delight. It has more appeal than many previous vintages." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Sassicaia is a real beauty and shows great purity, elegance and silkiness. On the nose, it is a very typical, noble Sassicaia with the typical liaison of Cabernet and Mediterranean spice, reminiscent of the neighbouring maquis forest. There are lavender notes, but also Mediterranean herbs such as sage, myrrh and rosemary, refined with dark cherries, cassis, wild berries, graphite, tobacco and earth. Noble restraint on the palate too, the fine fruit presence is majestically underpinned by earthy and herbal-spicy notes, with a touch of olive tapenade also resonating. In spite of the present fruit, it is fresh thanks to its penetrating acidity, with a silky texture and an elegantly grippy tannin structure. It is a seductive temptation to drink it young, but it will benefit from a few years of ageing. Patience will be rewarded with more complexity." Weinwisser

"The Tenuta San Guido 2020 Bolgheri Sassicaia will appeal to those seeking a more voluptuous, opulent and ultimately more approachable wine. This vintage is a precise reflection of coastal Tuscany, as opposed to a more generic "Tuscan" wine from other parts of this great central Italian region. You can taste the ripeness and soft fruit weight that comes from a coastal appellation with particularly bright light and warm Mediterranean breezes. Sassicaia from the cooler vintages is known to be a restrained wine in its early years, requiring a long lead time before it fits into an ideal drinking window. This is definitely not the case here. This wine is beautiful and compelling from the start. It shows a lovely blend of dark fruits, oak spice, balanced freshness, rich texture, soft tannins and a skilfully controlled alcohol level of 14%. The immediate character of the wine is what characterises this vintage and I wouldn't get too carried away with over-ambitious cellaring. The wine is a pure pleasure in its current form, with an overwhelming primary fruit and a high intensity in the near and medium term." Wine Advocate

"A very fragrant Sassicaia on the nose with forest floor, citrus and dark fruits. Blackcurrants. Cedar wood and black tea. Some balsamic vinegar. Pine needles. Full and very juicy. Very long, structured and complete. Spicy and energetic with a linear line of fresh tannins and acidity. Very Sassicaia throughout. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc. Very attractive now in a youthful and lively way, but this will be better in three to four years. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"The Sassicaia 2020 is a bold, rapturous wine. Dark, fleshy and expansive on the palate, the 2020 offers flavours of blackberry jam, gravel, spices, new leather, liquorice and crème de cassis. The powerful tannins are almost masked by the sheer intensity of the fruit. The 2020 seems to have an extra dimension of textural intensity. An intensity that is very appealing." Vinous

"Complex aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, iron, sweet tobacco and Mediterranean herbs are the hallmarks of this elegant, exciting red wine, which already reveals a lot, but still appears restrained, as if there are still many facets to discover. It is characterised by harmony, freshness and a long finish." Wine Spectator

"The frost damaged the earlier developing Cabernet Franc at the end of March, resulting in lower production but excellent quality fruit. The spring was mild and the summer generally warm, but a rapid acceleration of ripening in late summer forced the team to start harvesting in the first week of September to avoid over-ripening. This traditional blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc is characterised by an intense and balsamic taste that highlights the character of blackcurrant, dust, leaves and cedar. It is balanced and light-footed, with super-fresh acidity and a fine-grained, almost imperceptible tannin structure. Ripe and tangy raspberry and blueberry fruit linger on the mid-palate, leading to a long, fresh finish with notes of cream and chocolate. This wine will be worth cellaring into the 2050s, but it will also give great pleasure in its youth. We recommend keeping it in the bottle for at least 10 months before opening it," says Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta." Decanter

"An increasingly promising bouquet - after aeration - of forest fruits, with a subtle hint of Mediterranean scrub and truffles; perfectly chiselled texture with youthful, tight-knit tannins, the acidity provides that certain something extra, plenty of fruit but also spice on the lingering, multi-faceted finish. Timelessly elegant." Vinum

"Ruby red colour, compact and brilliant. The nose has clear notes of blackberries, with slightly wild notes of marjoram, floral nuances of peony and an iodine-balsamic finish. In the mouth, crunchy red fruits, tannins that combine well with the fresh-salty component, balsamic and liquorice on the finish, excellent drinkability. A wine that will last a long time." Luca Gardini

"Sassicaia really was our house wine back then," says Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, daughter of the president of San Guido, Marquis Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta. "It was more of a wine experiment that was only tested within the family and among friends, until we went on the market for the first time with the 1968 vintage. Today, this wine is all about elegance and balance. We like this style, which is not so much about the body. Sassicaia is a good representative of what we want to convey as a style."

Enough of the elegant understatement: Sassicaia 2021 is stunning and beguiling. Very elegant on the nose, it displays energy and character of a decidedly noble and fascinatingly spicy nature. Notes of wild violets mingle with original myrtle, juniper berries and coriander. The core of the wine is rich with nuances of black plums, dark tea leaves and cloves. Full-bodied, soft and enveloping on the palate, it displays perfectly ripe, noble tannins and a truly exciting finish that ignites from mid-palate and draws a progressive, ascending parabola as it progresses. A great wine from a great 2021 vintage that has added an extra dimension of freshness and precision to arguably Italy's best red wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet with rich cassis and wild berry fruit, earthy-tobacco and liquorice notes, with wonderful truffle and tobacco notes. Very dense on the palate, but also tightly meshed, you can feel the maturity of the vintage, but the wine remains tightly meshed and elegant throughout, almost virtuoso with delicate hints, the almost perfect tannin is grippy and silky. This will be a long-distance runner. An exciting Sassicaia that could even reach the dream score with maturity." Weinwisser

"The classic that started it all, as always in top form: after some aeration, an intriguing nose on notes of black forest fruits, cassis, dried roses and pepper; precisely drawn on the palate, elegant, noble course with tightly woven tannins, but also invigorating acidity, supple, mouth-filling and yet light-footed." Vinum

"Brilliant ruby with a delicately brightening rim. A nose to fall in love with: Smells initially of roses, then of cassis, dark cherries and a little cardamom. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens with well-integrated, fine-meshed tannins, savoury and endlessly long." Falstaff

"Medium to dark crimson, but no attempt to break any records for colour intensity. Much more subtle nose than most - no obvious sweetness and certainly no oak. Spicy and savoury and introverted. Everything is geared towards longevity. Bone-dry finish. Very different from the Ornellaia! Well-groomed, self-confident and unobtrusive. But so balanced and appetising that I enjoyed it!" Jancis Robinson

"Very stylish and typical of Sassicaia with blackcurrant, tobacco, chocolate, sage and lavender on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with very integrated and refined tannins that are caressing and pretty, with a lovely length and beauty. Such finesse and structure at the same time. Best from 2028 and beyond, but a joy to taste now." James Suckling

"Comforting and luxurious on the nose, though initially restrained, like hot coffee with a slice of warm berry pie, then suddenly more serious, with aromas of leather-bound books and crisp autumn air. The palate is full of berries, but also vibrant acids, and the tannins feel like a silky fabric, strong and supple, tightly stitched and flowing in an endless finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich yet elegant, with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, cedar, minerals and oak spice, this resonant red wine builds to a long, detailed finish. It shows great balance, with lively acidity and refined tannins, but will benefit from a few more years of ageing." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the best young Sassicaias I can remember tasting, certainly on a par with any recent wine. Sassicaia is more a wine of refinement than opulence. During a long growing season, all the elements came together to produce a rich, deep wine that combines textural intensity with classicism. Dark cherry and plum fruit, spice, new leather, menthol, liquorice and spice race across the palate. After some time in the glass, the intensity of the texture and the sheer power of the wine come to the fore. The 2021 is one of the most concentrated Sassicaias ever made. In a word: great." Vinous

"Rich aromas of dark fruits and herbs are infused with blueberry and petrichor, leading to an intense and vertical palate that is super-fresh with a delightfully airy, savoury character. Textured, integrated tannins emphasise Sassicaia's finesse and show just a hint of youthful dustiness. Spicy, bright black, blue and red berry fruits overlay underlying notes of dark chocolate and forest undergrowth with remarkable precision, with pomegranate and a stony minerality emerging on the mid-palate. The 2021 shows a wonderful richness of fruit with the characteristic freshness and lightness of step and finishes long and balanced. Outstanding." Decanter

"Here it is: a quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage while respecting the unique flavour profile of this outstanding Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia offers impeccable balance, excellent freshness and absolutely no signs of over-ripeness. The fruit balance is ideal, with a hint of crispness and lingering tension from the flesh and skin. The tannins are skilfully handled, with a firm grip and enough velvety texture to give volume and length. The bouquet is not green, instead offering mulled wine herbs and spices such as cinnamon and cloves delicately layered between the mostly red and some purple berry fruit. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and Rainier cherry are strongly represented in this vintage. Over time, a fragrant hint of heritage rose unfolds. The oak tones are centred on gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like grilled red pepper. On the palate, it offers a nice weight without heavy glycerin and an acidity flush that supports the wine's natural energy, brightness and viscosity. This pronounced freshness gives the wine a long ageing potential, but it needs to be given more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Sassicaia 2020 is in one word: magical. Even at a young age, it shows an aromatic richness and intensity that inspires us. The optimal climate has favoured its very Mediterranean character, and so here presents a fresh and very direct wine that delights all the senses. Everything is in its place here and the omnipresent fruit gets an extra place on the podium in this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium purple red, the bottom of the glass is clearly visible. Intense nose with a hint of iodine. Great spiciness that seems more Tuscan than Bordeaux. Long lasting with a very long finish. Embryonic but convincing that it has a bright future ahead of it. Subtle rather than showy. I wouldn't guess it was 14%. I aerated it and left it in a young wine decanter for an hour and it was a delight. It has more appeal than many previous vintages." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Sassicaia is a real beauty and shows great purity, elegance and silkiness. On the nose, it is a typical, noble Sassicaia with the typical liaison of Cabernet and Mediterranean spice, reminiscent of the neighbouring maquis forest. There are notes of lavender, but also Mediterranean herbs such as sage, myrrh and rosemary, refined with dark cherries, cassis, wild berries, graphite, tobacco and earth. Also in the mouth with noble restraint, the fine fruit presence is majestically underpinned by earthy and herbaceous notes, even a touch of olive tapenade resonates. Despite the present fruit, it appears fresh thanks to its penetrating acidity, with a silky texture and an elegant, grippy tannin structure. It is a seductive temptation to drink it young, but it will benefit from a few years of ageing. So patience will be rewarded with more complexity." Weinwisser

"The Tenuta San Guido 2020 Bolgheri Sassicaia appeals to those seeking a more lush, opulent and ultimately approachable wine. This vintage is an accurate reflection of coastal Tuscany, as opposed to a more generic 'Tuscan' wine from other parts of this great central Italian region. You can taste the ripeness and soft fruit weight that come from a coastal appellation with particularly bright light and warm Mediterranean breezes. Sassicaia from the cool vintages is notoriously a reticent wine in its early years, needing a long lead time before it settles into an ideal drinking window. That is definitely not the case here. This wine is beautiful and compelling from the start. It shows a beautiful blend of dark fruits, oak spice, balanced freshness, rich texture, soft tannins and a skilfully controlled alcohol level of 14%. The immediate character of the wine is what makes this vintage stand out and I wouldn't get too hung up on over-ambition for cellaring. The wine is a pure pleasure as it is, with overwhelming primary fruit and high intensity in the near and medium term." Wine Advocate

"A very fragrant Sassicaia on the nose with forest floor, citrus and dark fruits. Blackcurrants. Cedarwood and black tea. Some balsamic. Pine needles. Full and very juicy. Very long, structured and complete. Spicy and energetic with a linear line of fresh tannins and acidity. Very Sassicaia throughout. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest is Cabernet Franc. Very attractive now in a youthful and vibrant way but this will be better in three to four years. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sassicaia is a bold, rapturous wine. Dark, fleshy and expansive on the palate, the 2020 offers scents of blackberry jam, gravel, spices, new leather, liquorice and crème de cassis. The powerful tannins are almost masked by the sheer intensity of the fruit. The 2020 seems to have an added dimension of textural intensity. An intensity that is very appealing." Vinous

"Complex aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, iron, sweet tobacco and Mediterranean herbs are the hallmarks of this elegant, exciting red wine, which already reveals a lot, yet seems restrained, as if there are still many facets to discover. It impresses with harmony, freshness and a long finish." Wine Spectator

"The frost damaged the earlier developing Cabernet Franc at the end of March, resulting in lower production but excellent quality fruit. The spring was mild and the summer generally warm, but a rapid acceleration of ripening in late summer forced the team to start harvesting in the first week of September to avoid over-ripening. This traditional blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc features an intense and balsamic flavour that brings out the character of blackcurrants, dust, leaves and cedar. It is balanced and light on its feet, with super-fresh acidity and a fine-grained, almost imperceptible tannin structure. Ripe and tangy raspberry and blueberry fruit linger on the mid palate, leading to a long, fresh finish with notes of cream and chocolate. This wine will reward ageing into the 2050s, but it will also provide much pleasure in its youth. We recommend storing it in the bottle for at least 10 months before opening it," says Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta." Decanter

"An - after aeration - increasingly promising bouquet of wild berries, with subtle hints of Mediterranean maquis and truffles; perfectly chiselled texture with youthful, tightly meshed tannins, the acidity provides that certain extra, in the persistent multi-faceted finish lots of fruit, but also spice. Timelessly elegant." Vinum

"Ruby red colour, compact and brilliant. The nose has clear notes of blackberries, with slightly wild notes of marjoram, floral nuances of peony and an iodine-balsamic finish. In the mouth crisp red fruits, tannins that combine well with the fresh-salty component, balsamic and liquorice on the finish, excellent drinkability. A wine that will last a long time." Luca Gardini

"Sassicaia really was our house wine back then," says Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, daughter of the president of San Guido, Marquis Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta. "It was more of a wine experiment that was only tested within the family and among friends, until we went on the market for the first time with the 1968 vintage. Today, this wine is all about elegance and balance. We like this style, which is not so much about the body. Sassicaia is a good representative of what we want to convey as a style."

Enough of the elegant understatement: Sassicaia 2021 is stunning and beguiling. Very elegant on the nose, it displays energy and character of a decidedly noble and fascinatingly spicy nature. Notes of wild violets mingle with original myrtle, juniper berries and coriander. The core of the wine is rich with nuances of black plums, dark tea leaves and cloves. Full-bodied, soft and enveloping on the palate, it displays perfectly ripe, noble tannins and a truly exciting finish that ignites from mid-palate and draws a progressive, ascending parabola as it progresses. A great wine from a great 2021 vintage that has added an extra dimension of freshness and precision to arguably Italy's best red wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet with rich cassis and wild berry fruit, earthy-tobacco and liquorice notes, with wonderful truffle and tobacco notes. Very dense on the palate, but also tightly meshed, you can feel the maturity of the vintage, but the wine remains tightly meshed and elegant throughout, almost virtuoso with delicate hints, the almost perfect tannin is grippy and silky. This will be a long-distance runner. An exciting Sassicaia that could even reach the dream score with maturity." Weinwisser

"Brilliant ruby with a delicately brightening rim. A nose to fall in love with: Smells initially of roses, then of cassis, dark cherries and a little cardamom. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens with well-integrated, fine-meshed tannins, savoury and endlessly long." Falstaff

"Medium to dark crimson, but no attempt to break any records for colour intensity. Much more subtle nose than most - no obvious sweetness and certainly no oak. Spicy and savoury and introverted. Everything is geared towards longevity. Bone-dry finish. Very different from the Ornellaia! Well-groomed, self-confident and unobtrusive. But so balanced and appetising that I enjoyed it!" Jancis Robinson

"Very stylish and typical of Sassicaia with blackcurrant, tobacco, chocolate, sage and lavender on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with very integrated and refined tannins that are caressing and pretty, with a lovely length and beauty. Such finesse and structure at the same time. Best from 2028 and beyond, but a joy to taste now." James Suckling

"Comforting and luxurious on the nose, though initially restrained, like hot coffee with a slice of warm berry pie, then suddenly more serious, with aromas of leather-bound books and crisp autumn air. The palate is full of berries, but also vibrant acids, and the tannins feel like a silky fabric, strong and supple, tightly stitched and flowing in an endless finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich yet elegant, with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, cedar, minerals and oak spice, this resonant red wine builds to a long, detailed finish. It shows great balance, with lively acidity and refined tannins, but will benefit from a few more years of ageing." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the best young Sassicaias I can remember tasting, certainly on a par with any recent wine. Sassicaia is more a wine of refinement than opulence. During a long growing season, all the elements came together to produce a rich, deep wine that combines textural intensity with classicism. Dark cherry and plum fruit, spice, new leather, menthol, liquorice and spice race across the palate. After some time in the glass, the intensity of the texture and the sheer power of the wine come to the fore. The 2021 is one of the most concentrated Sassicaias ever made. In a word: great." Vinous

"Rich aromas of dark fruits and herbs are infused with blueberry and petrichor, leading to an intense and vertical palate that is super-fresh with a delightfully airy, savoury character. Textured, integrated tannins emphasise Sassicaia's finesse and show just a hint of youthful dustiness. Spicy, bright black, blue and red berry fruit overlay underlying notes of dark chocolate and forest undergrowth with remarkable precision, with pomegranate and a stony minerality emerging on the mid-palate. The 2021 shows a wonderful richness of fruit with the characteristic freshness and lightness of step and finishes long and balanced. Outstanding." Decanter

"Here it is: a quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage while respecting the unique flavour profile of this outstanding Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia offers impeccable balance, excellent freshness and absolutely no signs of over-ripeness. The fruit balance is ideal, with a hint of crispness and lingering tension from the flesh and skin. The tannins are skilfully handled, with a firm grip and enough velvety texture to give volume and length. The bouquet is not green, instead offering mulled wine herbs and spices such as cinnamon and cloves delicately layered between the mostly red and some purple berry fruit. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and Rainier cherry are strongly represented in this vintage. Over time, a fragrant hint of heritage rose unfolds. The oak tones are centred on gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like grilled red pepper. On the palate, it offers a nice weight without heavy glycerin and an acidity flush that supports the wine's natural energy, brightness and viscosity. This pronounced freshness gives the wine a long ageing potential, but it needs to be given more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate