Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri 2021

Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy, 2021

Grapes: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon & 15% Cabernet Franc, limestone/marl/clay soils, hand-harvested, wild yeast fermentation, 24 months' ageing in French oak barrels (40% new)

One of the all time great wines of Italy (and the world), "Sassicaia" was first released commercially in 1968 by the Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. It's the only Italian estate to have its own DOC designation of Bolgheri Sassicaia. The wine's name, in English, means "Stony Field". Sold originally as a lowly Vino de Tavola (due to its grape blend), the wine became the first of the "Super Tuscan" estates to receive worldwide critical acclaim.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Here it is: A quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage and also respects the unique taste profile of this distinguished Tuscan blend of Cabernets 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 crunch and lasting tension from pulp and skins. The tannins are deftly managed with firm grip and enough velvetiness to add volume and length. There is no greenness on the bouquet that instead offers mulled herbs and spice, with cinnamon and clove, layered delicately between mostly red and some purple berry fruits. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and Rainier cherry run strong in this vintage. A fragrant hint of heritage rose emerges with time. The oak tones are geared toward gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like a grilled sweet red pepper. To the palate, it offers nice weight with no heavy glycerin, and a rinse of acidity that adds to the wine’s natural energy, brightness and viscosity. That marked freshness opens the wine up to long aging potential, but you still need to give it more time in bottle." Drink 2028 - 2060

100/100 points, Monica Larner, WINE ADVOCATE, January 2024

"Another great vintage in Tuscany, following a run of exceptional years, and as you might exect from this estate, we are here right at the top of what the vintage has produced. Expect to find softly grilled and smoked campfire notes on the opening, unrolling over ripe brambled berries, overlaid with incense, tobacco, sweetened red pepper, orange zest, liqourice and lavender. Sassicaia is a wine with a slow, gentle reveal, with a slate texture that highlights the subtle minerality and drawn out finish. My tastebuds are totally fired up, mouth watering, this is an active experience, you are engaged and wanting to lean in what happens next. Such clever winemaking, reflecting an exceptional terroir. Carlo Paoli director, 40% new oak for ageing." Drink 2028-2055

100/100 points, Jane Anson, INSIDE BORDEAUX, September 2024

"Dynamic and well-balanced in the sensory profile, it shows notes of lavender, plums, hyacinth, magnolias, sandalwood, camphor, lemon peel and bergamot. Agapanthus flowers, wisteria and gardenias describe the secondary profile that softens and tempers the matrix. There is complexity and composed richness that in the oxidation-reduction game finds confirmation and solid beauty. The body of the wine is perfectly balanced in the sip, shows a full and enveloping profile, recalls subtle balsamic presences and is animated by soft and creamy tannins and a linear and essential finish. A version of Sassicaia enjoyable right away, able to convince at first sight. A wine that continues to write and speak of elegance in Bolgheri despite the great changes and difficulties. Better from 2027."

99/100 points, Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com, December 2024

One of the best vintages ever made!