Tasting Notes
Vinous 97
The 2023 Sassicaia is elegant and supremely polished. Dark, ample and mysterious, the 2023 has much to offer once it opens up a bit. Blackberry, gravel, incense and new leather convey tons of somber intensity. Cabernet Sauvignon speaks quite loudly in the 2023, despite the wine’s midweight structure. Tenuta San Guido s 2023 Sassicaia is one of the wines of the vintage, an accomplishment that is even more impressive given the challenges of the growing season. Early April frost lowered yields in Merlot and Cabernet Franc by about 20%. Rain during flowering and fruit set resulted in loose bunches, perhaps not ideal for production but decidedly positive for air circulation, essential in a year with elevated disease pressure. The 2023 saw as much as 20-25 days on the skins, with the oldest parcels getting the longest vatting times. Malolactic fermentations were intentionally delayed; about 60% of the lots were done in barrel. The 2023 spent five months in used barriques, then 21 months in a combination of 44% new, 40% once-used and 16% twice-used barrels. This is an impressive showing. I can’t wait to see how the 2023 ages.
Anticipated maturity: 2033-2053
JancisRobinson.com 17.5+
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 23 months in barriques.Deep, shaded blackish garnet. Very distinctive and high-toned. Savoury. Really very unlike the sweetness of so many others. Not like red bordeaux but more appetising than most. There are definitely tannins there in profusion, but it s a serious wine that unfolds, as I know, in the bottle. Well sculpted. (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2029-2045
