Sassicaia

The 2019 Sassicaia is a thing of beauty. It showcases everything you would expect from this iconic wine, balance, precision and gorgeous fruit character are all on display. It begins with expressive aromatics of dark cherries and blackberries, which are laced with exotic spices, grilled herbs, florals, wet stones and underbrush nuances that all emerge gracefully from the glass. On the palate this is even more impressive, as it shows a remarkable combination of elegance and finesse, alongside a richly textured mouthfeel that is backed by beautiful ripe fruit. Pure and expressive, this goes on to show a wonderful sense of freshness that builds all the way through the long, persistent finish. This has it all and it is a simply thrilling release which offers plenty of upfront appeal, but will also thrive for decades in the cellar. I love what this vintage has to offer at this early stage and would expect the 2019 to ultimately be mentioned in conversation with some of the greatest vintages of Sassicaia ever.

The latest release from Tenuta San Guido is the 2019 Bolgheri Sassicaia. 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.

It’s very strong and it’s impossible to scratch the serious, austere sensory profile of Sassicaia 2019. Deep and comes alive silently in the glass over time, animating the scene with perfumes which strongly recall mediterranean herbs. The primary picture is rich in sour cherries, black prunes, black tea leaves, wet grass, cloves, nutmeg and marjoram. Memories of decisive oriental spices hover around the borders of the calamatic sensory image which are difficult to cross. Full bodied, sensual and noble in the sip showing grace and equilibrium, wisdom and knowledge which comes from a big, well projected vision that started with the workers in the vineyard. The silky tannins are perfectly polymerized and the finale of commendable canonic beauty brings back memories of a ‘Sanmartiniana’ perfection with it’s passion and impetus. A masterpiece of Italian oenology which could live forever. Better from 2026.

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. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The 2019 Sassicaia is exquisite and refined, with interwoven layers of cassis, leather, Mediterranean herbs, and dark mineral earth. It is medium to full-bodied, with ripe though present tannins and a long and elegant finish that lifts off the palate and has fantastic energy throughout, with notes of black cherry, tobacco, and a stony texture. There is a classic and tension-filled sensibility that will benefit from several years in cellar to achieve its full expression.

Deep bright red-ruby. Complex, rather Burgundian aromas of flinty dark berries, tobacco, herbs (sage and rosemary), sweet spices (vanillin, cinnamon) and minerals, plus a suggestion of leafy reduction and tarry earth. Velvety and pliant in texture, with compelling but restrained sweetness to its blueberry, raspberry, and cedar flavours lifted by outstanding inner-mouth perfume. Broad and accessible for such a young wine, and very shapely and fleshy for a young Sassicaia, this boasts repeating primary fruit flavours of blackcurrant and raspberry on its long and silky yet powerful finish. The 2019 showcases elements of the 2015 (power, flesh) and 2016 (tannic clout) Sassicaias, both outstanding wines in their own way. It might ultimately turn out better than both and warrant a 100 point score, hence the + sign on my score. Drinking window: 2027-2060.

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. Drink 2025–2044.

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.