Tuscany
Tuscany, a picturesque region in central Italy, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines. With its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, Tuscany offers a perfect combination of terroir and winemaking expertise. The region is home to legendary vineyards and wineries that have become synonymous with excellence and tradition.
One of the most famous vineyards in Tuscany is Antinori, a family-owned winery with a history dating back over 600 years. Their wines, such as Tignanello and Solaia, have achieved iconic status, showcasing the region's commitment to quality and innovation. Another renowned vineyard is Castello di Volpaia, known for its exceptional Chianti Classico wines that beautifully represent the Sangiovese grape.
Tuscany is synonymous with Chianti, a red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico, produced in the heart of the Chianti region, is highly regarded for its balance, elegance, and age-worthiness. Vineyards like Castello di Ama, Fontodi, and Fèlsina craft outstanding Chianti Classico wines that capture the essence of Tuscan winemaking.
The region is also famous for Brunello di Montalcino, a prestigious red wine made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes. Montalcino is home to renowned wineries such as Biondi-Santi and Casanova di Neri, which produce exceptional Brunello di Montalcino wines with remarkable structure, depth, and longevity.
Tuscany's coastal region, Bolgheri, has gained international acclaim for its Super Tuscan wines. These wines often blend international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with local varieties. Notable vineyards in Bolgheri include Tenuta San Guido, known for its iconic Sassicaia, and Ornellaia, which produces the renowned Ornellaia wine.
Tuscany's diverse terroir also allows for the production of white wines, with Vernaccia di San Gimignano being the most notable. Vernaccia vineyards like Teruzzi & Puthod and Panizzi create crisp and aromatic white wines that showcase the region's versatility.
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Tuscany
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James Suckling (92-93)
Very aromatic and bright with strawberry, cherry and currant character. Hints of oranges. Full-bodied, linear and tight, showing ultra-fine tannins. Potential here.Inc. VAT£188.44 -
Wine Enthusiast (92)
Made with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Sangiovese, this has enticing aromas of cassis, black tea, violet and wild herbs. Savory and elegantly structured, the medium-bodied palate shows ripe blackberry, star anise and a hint of coffee bean framed in lithe, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink through 2025.Inc. VAT£183.64 -
Vinous (88)
The 2020 Le Difese is laced with crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon and rose petal. This light to medium-bodied, fragrant Maremma red is an ideal choice for drinking over the next few years. Served at cellar temperature, it is also a fine option for the warm summer months.Inc. VAT£175.55 -
Vinous (91)
The 2021 Le Difese is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium in body yet nicely layered, the 2021 is impeccably balanced. It is also a sheer delight to taste at this early stage. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a nervy feeling of classicism that is hugely appealing. It's one of my favorite recent vintages. As it has been for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from several properties in Chianti Classico, with the energy of Sangiovese very much driving the feel in this vintage.Inc. VAT£162.35 -
James Suckling (97)
Attractive aromas of cherry, dark mushroom, bark and walnut follow through to a full body with lots of ripe cherry and berry character in the center palate. Firm, chewy tannins draw you down the palate. Extremely long. From organically grown grapes. Better than the superb 2015? Drink after 2023 and onwards.Inc. VAT£464.38 -
Wine Advocate (88)
The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum redeems some of the shortcomings of San Polino’s base 2009 Brunello. Although the wine feels sticky and chewy in the mouth with an evidently mature quality of fruit, Helichrysum is characteristic of a hot Brunello vintage. You’ll recognize tones of jammy fruit, cherry cough drop and sweet maple syrup. Drink: 2016-2020.Inc. VAT£92.93 -
James Suckling (98)
Wow. This is really complex on the nose with black cherries, mushrooms, dried flowers and cedar. Some crushed stone and dry earth or tile. This is full-bodied and very layered with wonderful depth of fruit and creamy tannins. It’s focused and serene. Better than 2015. From organically grown grapes. Try in 2024 and onwards.Inc. VAT£371.98 -
James Suckling (98)
The purity and polish here shows wonderfully the moment you stick your nose in the glass, with complex aromas of plums, berries, cedar and violets. It’s full-bodied and ever so refined with elegant and intense tannins that take you deep into the wine. This is a thoughtful and finely crafted Brunello that needs time to show you its greatness. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2024.Inc. VAT£411.58 -
James Suckling (97)
A rich, layered red with blackberry and chocolate, as well as cured-meat and wet-earth undertones. It’s full-bodied with depth, intensity and focus. Lovely, velvety tannins and a long, creamy-textured mouth feel. Generous finish with tension. Better than 2015. Try after 2024.Inc. VAT£305.15 -
(6x75cl) 2018Vinous (90)
Shavings of cedar come together with wild strawberry and dusty rose as the remarkably pretty 2018 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This washes across the palate with ease, supple and soft, with tart wild berry fruit that adds a cheek puckering tension toward the close. Saline-tinged minerals and gently grippy tannins emerge providing a youthfully structured and savory finale, as a residual bump of acidity maintains a pleasant inner freshness.Inc. VAT£360.80 -
(12x75cl) 2019Inc. VAT£731.50 -
Inc. VAT£357.95 -
Inc. VAT£6,467.04 -
(1x150cl) 1985Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)
Conversation gradually halts as the 1985 Sassicaia is poured. It’s the most anticipated wine of the afternoon, and with good reason, as the 1985 is one of the most famous wines ever made, not just in Italy, but anywhere. It's also the wine that put Bolgheri on the map. Literally. Several guests have traveled to New York for this event just to taste the 1985. It does not disappoint. Dark and unctuous, with shocking opulence, the 1985 stains the palate with copious dark fruit. Tobacco, cedar, mocha, licorice and new leather follow. At 40 years of age, the 1985 has not lost a step. From magnum, it is simply magnificent. The true definition of an icon. It is the product of an unusually warm and dry growing season, with elevated temperatures that persisted through to harvest. The 1985 spent 14 days on the skins. Aging was 22 months in barrique (65% new), a mix of 60% Slavonian oak and 40% French oak. I can't think of a better way to end this lunch. What a wine!Inc. VAT£7,018.76 -
Wine Advocate (88)
This is the first vintage that bears the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC appellation. In fact, the 1994 Bolgheri Sassicaia represents the first edition of the first single-winery denomination in Italy and this special distinction has never again been duplicated. Furthermore, this release has never been formally reviewed in Robert Parker Wine Advocate. My impression is that the oak integration is less successful in this effort. There is a moment of hollowness on the mid-palate that is subsequently followed by dry and dusty oak tannins. There are few fruit remnants of prune and dried cherry, but promising more than that is a stretch. If you have a bottle, drink it sooner rather than later.Inc. VAT£929.21 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 1995 Bolgheri Sassicaia still holds court, thank you very much. It reminds me of a grande dame, or a woman of influence and sophistication who lights up the room thanks to her expertly delivered, albeit antiquated charm. The wine's aged evolution is evident as the bouquet releases sure aromas of dried fruit, old spice, saffron and cola. I can't say the aromas reach perfect equilibrium, because they don't. There is a muddled fruit note in there too that subtracts from its purity. The mouthfeel is svelte and lean with finely polished and silky tannins. In fact, the wine's texture shows precision and elegance. Pretty menthol notes appear on the long finish.Inc. VAT£5,185.28 -
(12x75cl) 1999
Jancis Robinson (18)
Deep garnet and very little sign of age in the colour. Some cedary freshness and a touch of old polished furniture. Dark cherry and still has some cassis. Very slight touch of coffee. Rich, smooth chocolate texture but it lightens up to a refined finish. Still has great balance and length and finishes with that mouthwatering freshness that is, for me, Sassicaia’s hallmark. Lots of complexity.Inc. VAT£5,151.40 -
(6x75cl) 2000
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
(85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc): Deep, bright red-ruby. Aromas of ripe red cherry, dark plum and kirsch are complicated by sexy woodsmoke, eucalyptus and bay leaf. Silky and rather lush, with considerable sweetness and creaminess to its ripe, sweet flavours of cassis, blackberry jelly and ripe black plum. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lingering notes of minerals, herbs, dried flowers and smoke. Displays lovely balance and good length on the rich, seamless, creamy-ripe finish, which exhibits a lingering menthol note that reminded me of a Napa cabernet. The 2000 vintage was a warm one, especially in August, with some varieties such as merlot reaching high sugar levels before full polyphenolic maturity was achieved. However, the combination of a cooler microclimate and old cabernet vines allowed Tenuta San Guido to make a better wine than many on the Tuscan Coast this year.Inc. VAT£2,014.84 -
(12x75cl) 2001
Decanter (99)
Clearly stronger and richer in colour than the 2002, with a wonderful nose, you feel the older Cabernet coming through on this now, merging together with warming spice. A slow teasing buildup of tannic power over the palate, where the flavours begin softly, then tighten. Some animal leathery notes, certainly, but fresh clean leather not Brett, this is a powerful wine, full of hedonism and optimism. The fruit is rich wild strawberries and raspberry coulis, exotic, cinnamon spicing, but not overblown because a grip of salinity comes in on the finish. A great wine, still young. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.Inc. VAT£6,008.64 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90+)
(80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% cabernet franc): Medium saturated ruby-red. Fresh aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, herbs and mocha. Intense flavors of minty blackberry and cedar, complicated by leather and minerals and a hint of tomato paste. This has filled out considerably with time in bottle and now shows less of the green edges that were apparent a few years ago. Another very good example of how lesser vintages of Sassicaia improve markedly with time; I probably underrated this wine in my initial evaluation. Though 2002 was a horrific, rain-plagued vintage, insiders know that it rained less in Bolgheri than in other parts of Tuscany, and to Incisa della Rocchetta?s credit, a whopping 40% of the final wine was declassified, so there?s less Sassicaia to go around from this vintage.Inc. VAT£2,108.44 -
(12x75cl) 2004
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (97)
(85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc): Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly intense yet refined aromas of ripe red cherry, mint, smoke and black truffle, complicated by lovely mineral and floral elements. Ripe, rich and velvety on entry, then concentrated in the middle, with flavors of red cherry, cassis, spices, bay leaf, dark chocolate and espresso. Amazingly well balanced and fresh wine, with sound, bright acids supplying wonderful lift and precision and smooth, noble tannins adding considerable power and grace. The finish goes on for minutes, highlighted by an enchanting floral-mineral quality; in my experience, the appearance of this strong floral component (in the absence of herbal or peppery aromas and flavors more typical of lesser vintages) at this early stage of development is typical of the greatest versions of Sassicaia. One of the top dozen Sassicaia bottlings ever. Interestingly, over the years owner Incisa della Rocchetta has been accused by some wine writers of harvesting much too early. In 2004 all the cabernet at Sassicaia was picked within the month of September, whereas some neighboring estates harvested well into October. Given the differences in quality achieved, some of the latter might do well to take a page out of Sassicaia's play book.Inc. VAT£4,369.44 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (97)
(85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc): Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly intense yet refined aromas of ripe red cherry, mint, smoke and black truffle, complicated by lovely mineral and floral elements. Ripe, rich and velvety on entry, then concentrated in the middle, with flavors of red cherry, cassis, spices, bay leaf, dark chocolate and espresso. Amazingly well balanced and fresh wine, with sound, bright acids supplying wonderful lift and precision and smooth, noble tannins adding considerable power and grace. The finish goes on for minutes, highlighted by an enchanting floral-mineral quality; in my experience, the appearance of this strong floral component (in the absence of herbal or peppery aromas and flavors more typical of lesser vintages) at this early stage of development is typical of the greatest versions of Sassicaia. One of the top dozen Sassicaia bottlings ever. Interestingly, over the years owner Incisa della Rocchetta has been accused by some wine writers of harvesting much too early. In 2004 all the cabernet at Sassicaia was picked within the month of September, whereas some neighboring estates harvested well into October. Given the differences in quality achieved, some of the latter might do well to take a page out of Sassicaia's play book.Inc. VAT£4,717.66 -
(12x75cl) 2005
Wine Spectator (94)
Dark ruby in color, showing aromas of currant, new oak and fresh herbs, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with very chewy tannins and an outstanding concentration of fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Needs plenty of bottle age. Best after 2012. 20,000 cases made. -JSInc. VAT£3,458.64 -
Decanter (99)
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.Inc. VAT£2,249.98 -
Wine Enthusiast (95)
This iconic Italian wine from Bolgheri's landmark Sassicaia vineyard (characterized by little rocks, or "sassi") offers an elegant bouquet comprised in equal measure by mineral, fruit and spice nuances. The wine consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc and the finish is long, smooth and very fine. This is an ageworthy wine that should not be opened before 2018.Inc. VAT£1,642.32 -
(1x150cl) 2008
The Wine Independent (97)
For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement.Inc. VAT£715.44 -
(1x300cl) 2008The Wine Independent (97)
For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement.Inc. VAT£1,663.96 -
The Wine Independent (97)
For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement.Inc. VAT£2,006.52 -
James Suckling (98)
An extremely rich and ripe wine with currant, cherry and balsamic aromas. Hints of leather. Follows through on the finish. Full body, round and velvety tannins that are reserved and beautiful. Sweet and sour. Savory, too. Drink or hold. This has a long life ahead of it.Inc. VAT£3,619.90 -
James Suckling (98)
An extremely rich and ripe wine with currant, cherry and balsamic aromas. Hints of leather. Follows through on the finish. Full body, round and velvety tannins that are reserved and beautiful. Sweet and sour. Savory, too. Drink or hold. This has a long life ahead of it.Inc. VAT£656.92
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James Suckling (92-93)
Very aromatic and bright with strawberry, cherry and currant character. Hints of oranges. Full-bodied, linear and tight, showing ultra-fine tannins. Potential here.In Bond£141.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (92)
Made with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Sangiovese, this has enticing aromas of cassis, black tea, violet and wild herbs. Savory and elegantly structured, the medium-bodied palate shows ripe blackberry, star anise and a hint of coffee bean framed in lithe, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink through 2025.In Bond£137.00 -
Vinous (88)
The 2020 Le Difese is laced with crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon and rose petal. This light to medium-bodied, fragrant Maremma red is an ideal choice for drinking over the next few years. Served at cellar temperature, it is also a fine option for the warm summer months.In Bond£127.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2021 Le Difese is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium in body yet nicely layered, the 2021 is impeccably balanced. It is also a sheer delight to taste at this early stage. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a nervy feeling of classicism that is hugely appealing. It's one of my favorite recent vintages. As it has been for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from several properties in Chianti Classico, with the energy of Sangiovese very much driving the feel in this vintage.In Bond£116.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Attractive aromas of cherry, dark mushroom, bark and walnut follow through to a full body with lots of ripe cherry and berry character in the center palate. Firm, chewy tannins draw you down the palate. Extremely long. From organically grown grapes. Better than the superb 2015? Drink after 2023 and onwards.In Bond£367.00 -
Wine Advocate (88)
The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum redeems some of the shortcomings of San Polino’s base 2009 Brunello. Although the wine feels sticky and chewy in the mouth with an evidently mature quality of fruit, Helichrysum is characteristic of a hot Brunello vintage. You’ll recognize tones of jammy fruit, cherry cough drop and sweet maple syrup. Drink: 2016-2020.In Bond£74.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Wow. This is really complex on the nose with black cherries, mushrooms, dried flowers and cedar. Some crushed stone and dry earth or tile. This is full-bodied and very layered with wonderful depth of fruit and creamy tannins. It’s focused and serene. Better than 2015. From organically grown grapes. Try in 2024 and onwards.In Bond£290.00 -
James Suckling (98)
The purity and polish here shows wonderfully the moment you stick your nose in the glass, with complex aromas of plums, berries, cedar and violets. It’s full-bodied and ever so refined with elegant and intense tannins that take you deep into the wine. This is a thoughtful and finely crafted Brunello that needs time to show you its greatness. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2024.In Bond£323.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A rich, layered red with blackberry and chocolate, as well as cured-meat and wet-earth undertones. It’s full-bodied with depth, intensity and focus. Lovely, velvety tannins and a long, creamy-textured mouth feel. Generous finish with tension. Better than 2015. Try after 2024.In Bond£235.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Vinous (90)
Shavings of cedar come together with wild strawberry and dusty rose as the remarkably pretty 2018 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This washes across the palate with ease, supple and soft, with tart wild berry fruit that adds a cheek puckering tension toward the close. Saline-tinged minerals and gently grippy tannins emerge providing a youthfully structured and savory finale, as a residual bump of acidity maintains a pleasant inner freshness.In Bond£280.00 -
(12x75cl) 2019In Bond£571.00
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In Bond£279.00
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In Bond£5,383.00
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(1x150cl) 1985
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)
Conversation gradually halts as the 1985 Sassicaia is poured. It’s the most anticipated wine of the afternoon, and with good reason, as the 1985 is one of the most famous wines ever made, not just in Italy, but anywhere. It's also the wine that put Bolgheri on the map. Literally. Several guests have traveled to New York for this event just to taste the 1985. It does not disappoint. Dark and unctuous, with shocking opulence, the 1985 stains the palate with copious dark fruit. Tobacco, cedar, mocha, licorice and new leather follow. At 40 years of age, the 1985 has not lost a step. From magnum, it is simply magnificent. The true definition of an icon. It is the product of an unusually warm and dry growing season, with elevated temperatures that persisted through to harvest. The 1985 spent 14 days on the skins. Aging was 22 months in barrique (65% new), a mix of 60% Slavonian oak and 40% French oak. I can't think of a better way to end this lunch. What a wine!In Bond£5,843.00 -
Wine Advocate (88)
This is the first vintage that bears the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC appellation. In fact, the 1994 Bolgheri Sassicaia represents the first edition of the first single-winery denomination in Italy and this special distinction has never again been duplicated. Furthermore, this release has never been formally reviewed in Robert Parker Wine Advocate. My impression is that the oak integration is less successful in this effort. There is a moment of hollowness on the mid-palate that is subsequently followed by dry and dusty oak tannins. There are few fruit remnants of prune and dried cherry, but promising more than that is a stretch. If you have a bottle, drink it sooner rather than later.In Bond£769.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 1995 Bolgheri Sassicaia still holds court, thank you very much. It reminds me of a grande dame, or a woman of influence and sophistication who lights up the room thanks to her expertly delivered, albeit antiquated charm. The wine's aged evolution is evident as the bouquet releases sure aromas of dried fruit, old spice, saffron and cola. I can't say the aromas reach perfect equilibrium, because they don't. There is a muddled fruit note in there too that subtracts from its purity. The mouthfeel is svelte and lean with finely polished and silky tannins. In fact, the wine's texture shows precision and elegance. Pretty menthol notes appear on the long finish.In Bond£4,288.00 -
(12x75cl) 1999
Jancis Robinson (18)
Deep garnet and very little sign of age in the colour. Some cedary freshness and a touch of old polished furniture. Dark cherry and still has some cassis. Very slight touch of coffee. Rich, smooth chocolate texture but it lightens up to a refined finish. Still has great balance and length and finishes with that mouthwatering freshness that is, for me, Sassicaia’s hallmark. Lots of complexity.In Bond£4,257.00 -
(6x75cl) 2000
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
(85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc): Deep, bright red-ruby. Aromas of ripe red cherry, dark plum and kirsch are complicated by sexy woodsmoke, eucalyptus and bay leaf. Silky and rather lush, with considerable sweetness and creaminess to its ripe, sweet flavours of cassis, blackberry jelly and ripe black plum. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lingering notes of minerals, herbs, dried flowers and smoke. Displays lovely balance and good length on the rich, seamless, creamy-ripe finish, which exhibits a lingering menthol note that reminded me of a Napa cabernet. The 2000 vintage was a warm one, especially in August, with some varieties such as merlot reaching high sugar levels before full polyphenolic maturity was achieved. However, the combination of a cooler microclimate and old cabernet vines allowed Tenuta San Guido to make a better wine than many on the Tuscan Coast this year.In Bond£1,663.00 -
(12x75cl) 2001
Decanter (99)
Clearly stronger and richer in colour than the 2002, with a wonderful nose, you feel the older Cabernet coming through on this now, merging together with warming spice. A slow teasing buildup of tannic power over the palate, where the flavours begin softly, then tighten. Some animal leathery notes, certainly, but fresh clean leather not Brett, this is a powerful wine, full of hedonism and optimism. The fruit is rich wild strawberries and raspberry coulis, exotic, cinnamon spicing, but not overblown because a grip of salinity comes in on the finish. A great wine, still young. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.In Bond£4,970.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90+)
(80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% cabernet franc): Medium saturated ruby-red. Fresh aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, herbs and mocha. Intense flavors of minty blackberry and cedar, complicated by leather and minerals and a hint of tomato paste. This has filled out considerably with time in bottle and now shows less of the green edges that were apparent a few years ago. Another very good example of how lesser vintages of Sassicaia improve markedly with time; I probably underrated this wine in my initial evaluation. Though 2002 was a horrific, rain-plagued vintage, insiders know that it rained less in Bolgheri than in other parts of Tuscany, and to Incisa della Rocchetta?s credit, a whopping 40% of the final wine was declassified, so there?s less Sassicaia to go around from this vintage.In Bond£1,741.00 -
(12x75cl) 2004
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (97)
(85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc): Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly intense yet refined aromas of ripe red cherry, mint, smoke and black truffle, complicated by lovely mineral and floral elements. Ripe, rich and velvety on entry, then concentrated in the middle, with flavors of red cherry, cassis, spices, bay leaf, dark chocolate and espresso. Amazingly well balanced and fresh wine, with sound, bright acids supplying wonderful lift and precision and smooth, noble tannins adding considerable power and grace. The finish goes on for minutes, highlighted by an enchanting floral-mineral quality; in my experience, the appearance of this strong floral component (in the absence of herbal or peppery aromas and flavors more typical of lesser vintages) at this early stage of development is typical of the greatest versions of Sassicaia. One of the top dozen Sassicaia bottlings ever. Interestingly, over the years owner Incisa della Rocchetta has been accused by some wine writers of harvesting much too early. In 2004 all the cabernet at Sassicaia was picked within the month of September, whereas some neighboring estates harvested well into October. Given the differences in quality achieved, some of the latter might do well to take a page out of Sassicaia's play book.In Bond£3,604.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (97)
(85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc): Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly intense yet refined aromas of ripe red cherry, mint, smoke and black truffle, complicated by lovely mineral and floral elements. Ripe, rich and velvety on entry, then concentrated in the middle, with flavors of red cherry, cassis, spices, bay leaf, dark chocolate and espresso. Amazingly well balanced and fresh wine, with sound, bright acids supplying wonderful lift and precision and smooth, noble tannins adding considerable power and grace. The finish goes on for minutes, highlighted by an enchanting floral-mineral quality; in my experience, the appearance of this strong floral component (in the absence of herbal or peppery aromas and flavors more typical of lesser vintages) at this early stage of development is typical of the greatest versions of Sassicaia. One of the top dozen Sassicaia bottlings ever. Interestingly, over the years owner Incisa della Rocchetta has been accused by some wine writers of harvesting much too early. In 2004 all the cabernet at Sassicaia was picked within the month of September, whereas some neighboring estates harvested well into October. Given the differences in quality achieved, some of the latter might do well to take a page out of Sassicaia's play book.In Bond£3,910.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005
Wine Spectator (94)
Dark ruby in color, showing aromas of currant, new oak and fresh herbs, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with very chewy tannins and an outstanding concentration of fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Needs plenty of bottle age. Best after 2012. 20,000 cases made. -JSIn Bond£2,845.00 -
Decanter (99)
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.In Bond£1,855.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (95)
This iconic Italian wine from Bolgheri's landmark Sassicaia vineyard (characterized by little rocks, or "sassi") offers an elegant bouquet comprised in equal measure by mineral, fruit and spice nuances. The wine consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc and the finish is long, smooth and very fine. This is an ageworthy wine that should not be opened before 2018.In Bond£1,350.00 -
(1x150cl) 2008
The Wine Independent (97)
For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement.In Bond£590.00 -
(1x300cl) 2008
The Wine Independent (97)
For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement.In Bond£1,374.23 -
The Wine Independent (97)
For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement.In Bond£1,653.50 -
James Suckling (98)
An extremely rich and ripe wine with currant, cherry and balsamic aromas. Hints of leather. Follows through on the finish. Full body, round and velvety tannins that are reserved and beautiful. Sweet and sour. Savory, too. Drink or hold. This has a long life ahead of it.In Bond£2,978.00 -
James Suckling (98)
An extremely rich and ripe wine with currant, cherry and balsamic aromas. Hints of leather. Follows through on the finish. Full body, round and velvety tannins that are reserved and beautiful. Sweet and sour. Savory, too. Drink or hold. This has a long life ahead of it.In Bond£541.00
