Sassicaia 2016

The 2016 Sassicaia is a wine of soaring achievement. I tasted this wine several times during the course of its creation in both barrel and bottle, and the highly deserved 100-point score you see here was enthusiastically assigned at the conclusion of a mini vertical in which I tasted and compared the 2016 vintage against 2015 (which I scored 97 points). It makes perfect sense to present these two excellent vintages in back-to-back comparison fashion because they are two of the best to emerge from Bolgheri, and indeed Tenuta San Guido, in recent memory. These are very similar vintages with long, hot summer months that fueled a long growing season. There was a bit more rain in 2016, and in analytical terms this vintage has a tad more acidity. That acidity will carry it long into the future as the wine completes its slow evolutionary course. This wine is chiseled and sharp with blackberry, ripe cherry, grilled herb and barbecue spice. The aromas flow from the glass in a continuous stream and are all marked by radiant intensity. The mouthfeel is long and powerful. The crisp linearity of the wine's tannic backbone is perfectly measured to the volume and depth of the fruit flavors. To my mind, the 2016 Sassicaia stands tall next to the epic 1985 vintage that set the ultimate benchmark for vino italiano. (ML)

"20162016 was a dream vintage for Bolgheri, slightly cooler than 2015, and particularly well suited to Sassicaia's restrained style.

Bright crimson. Super-subtle, already with several layers on the nose. So seductive. More polished and refined than most 2016 red Bordeaux (after all, the terroir is warmer). Sumptuously long. Great balance. You can already enjoy this with food. But note that it needs considerable aeration. When I decanted it, it was quite dull, but after an hour in a young wine decanter, it opened up to its mineral balsamic glory - extremely subtle and well constructed. This should have a good future. Jancis Robinson. 09/2019" foi uma safra de sonho para Bolgheri, um pouco mais fresca do que a de 2015, e particularmente bem adaptada ao estilo de Sassicaia comedido.

Carmesim brilhante. Super-subtil, já com várias camadas de nariz. Tão sedutor. Mais polido e refinado do que a maioria dos bordeaux vermelhos 2016 (afinal o terrroir é mais quente). Sumptuosamente longo. Grande equilíbrio. Já se pode desfrutar disto com a comida. Mas note-se que precisa de um arejamento considerável. Quando o decantei era bastante burro, mas após uma hora num jovem decanter de vinho abriu-se para a sua glória mineralmente balsâmica - extremamente subtil e bem construído. Isto deve ter um bom futuro. Jancis Robinson. 09/2019"

Subtle and complex aromas of blackcurrants, fresh herbs, lavender, rosemary and oyster shell. Some moss, too. Very perfumed. Full-bodied yet integrated with refined tannins that melt into the palate. Extremely classy and polished. Hard not to drink now.

A rich, black cherry– and black currant–flavored red, accented by cedar, wild herb and spice notes, this is supple and vibrant, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and an emerging mineral element. Firms up nicely on the finish. Hard to keep from enjoying this now, but it will develop nicely with age. *Collectible* (BS)

Aromas of cedar, tobacco, blue flower and spicy plum blend together in this elegantly structured and stunning red. One of Italy's most iconic wines, the smooth and compelling palate delivers flavours of black cherry, cassis, liquorice and a hint of wild herb. The taut, polished tannins provide perfect support, while the fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. A savoury saline note lingers on the finish. KERIN O'KEEFE; 05/01/2019

There's a note of kiwi peel that's particularly intense in this 2016, along with some cedar. In this vintage, its character is - if possible - more restrained than usual and definitely more so than the exceptional 2015. Small dark fruits lurk in the depth of the super-youthful nose, while on the palate the wine is not completely ready to drink - despite the good integration of oak, the tannins are still crunchy, perfectly ripe yet chewy, pushed by a lively acidity. (AF)

The 2016 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is another wine I love. It is an exceptional wine from one of the best vintages in Tuscany in the last decade. 2016 was a cooler and more classic vintage than 2015 and one can almost sense more freshness, comfort and ease for the vine in the natural harmony of this wine. The wine has vibrancy, a mouth-watering freshness and a beautiful natural grace. The nose is bright and clear with very precisely delineated aromas of wild flowers, meadow grass, violet, rose and cassis. The 2016 is looking stunning, with a wonderful texture and flow, yet a twist of nervosity and energy too. Drinking now but it needs maybe 5 years to begin to show its best. (SH)