One of the secret of Bolgheri’s mediterranean and windy climate is to turn pyrazines from the Cabernets into extra-dimensional scents of citron and leafy aromas. Sassicaia has been producing Cabernet-based wines here since 1968, which are typically marked by this fresh character on the nose. 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. An extremely elegant Sassicaia with a refined finish, this is built for the long haul and is possibly the best of this decade.
Tenuta San Guido’s 2016 Bolgheri Sassicaia, a wine that earned a three-digit score upon release, is more closed at the moment, showing an intriguing evolution in the glass as it moves from timid to briefly expressive before settling back into a quieter phase. The bouquet reveals beautiful savory tones with an almost ferrous edge, gaining complexity with elegant citrus accents of bergamot and blood orange that give the wine added articulation. The palate is defined by a delicate touch of fruit sweetness followed by lasting freshness, delivering both poise and power. Produced in a classic, structured vintage on the estate’s coastal Bolgheri vineyards, this is unquestionably an epic wine, though tasted alongside the 2021 and 2023 in this vertical, it yielded a narrow edge to those later vintages on this occasion.
The aromas are full of blue fruits and an underlying minerality. Hot stones and some rust to boot. Full-bodied yet refined and structured with compacted and tight tannins and an ultra-long finish. Savory and minerally at the end. Seamless texture. Great composure.
Aromas of cedar, tobacco, blue flower and spiced plum fuse together in this elegantly structured, stunning red. One of Italy's most iconic wines, the smooth, compelling palate delivers flavors of black cherry, cassis, licorice and a hint of wild herb. Taut, polished tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity lends impeccable balance. A savory saline note lingers on the finish.
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. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2021 through 2043. 17,200 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.
The 2016 Sassicaia is a fabulous wine in the making. Powerful and concentrated, with huge tannic clout, the 2016 has so much to offer. Black cherry, plum, licorice, spice and violet all pulse with energy in an explosive, thrilling Sassicaia that will drink well for several decades. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 is precise and beautifully polished, not to mention absolutely delicious. Don't miss it.
Winery Notes
The first Super Tuscan, this great Cabernet allies a dense core of pure, ripe black currant fruit flavors and aromas with smoky notes of cedar, tobacco and vanilla to a refined supporting acidity and a sleek, finely integrated tannic structure.