2023 Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia

EXCLUSIVE - AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2026 Winery: Tenuta San Guido Tenuta San Guido is the iconic estate behind Sassicaia and is located in Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast. The winery is regarded worldwide as the founder of the Super Tuscans. Sassicaia was one of the first Italian wines to use international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, thereby breaking with traditional rules. The estate benefits from a unique terroir with gravelly soils and a maritime climate. The combination of sea breeze, altitude variations, and soil structure produces wines of both power and refinement. Today, Tenuta San Guido remains at the absolute top of Italy, and Sassicaia is among the most sought-after wines in the world. 2023 Year: challenging but exceptional The 2023 vintage in Bolgheri was anything but easy. After a cold winter and a wet spring, a period of heavy rain and high disease pressure from downy mildew followed. This led to strict selection in the vineyard and a yield reduction of approximately 20%. In April, frost posed additional challenges, while the summer was characterized by short but intense heat peaks. Rain in August eventually brought relief and ensured that the grapes could ripen perfectly, both phenologically and in terms of sugar content. The harvest was completed in early October under ideal conditions with warm days and cool nights. The result is a wine that proves that difficult years sometimes produce the most characterful wines. Where there was great doubt beforehand, 2023 actually reveals one of the most convincing Sassicaias of recent years. Grapes and vinification The blend consists primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by approximately 13 to 14% Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Franc plays an important role in the structure and provides extra freshness, aromatic precision, and linear tension. After a rigorous selection, the grapes are fermented separately. Vinification focuses on extraction while preserving finesse. The wine subsequently ages in French oak barrels, where the balance between fruit, wood, and structure is paramount. Style and taste profile The 2023 Sassicaia opens with a complex and layered nose of blackcurrants, wild herbs such as sage and rosemary, and floral notes of violets and rose petals. Beneath this lies a distinct mineral core, complemented by spices such as pink pepper, nutmeg, and a subtle hint of orange zest. On the palate, remarkably accessible for a young Sassicaia. The structure is refined with chalky tannins and a lively acidity that provides tension. The fruit is concentrated but never heavy, with layers of blackcurrant, plum, and spiciness. What makes this wine special is its balance. Intensity and elegance go hand in hand. The wine continues to develop in the glass, revealing new nuances time and again. The finish is long, clean, and slightly saline, with a clear focus and precision. Food and wine pairings This Sassicaia calls for dishes with structure and depth. Classic pairings include grilled red meat such as sirloin or côte de boeuf. Game dishes such as venison or wild boar also complement the spicy and earthy notes. For a more refined pairing, dishes with truffle, mushrooms, or slow-cooked beef are highly suitable. The fresh acidity and elegant tannins also make the wine surprisingly versatile with dishes featuring Mediterranean herbs. Storage potential and drinking window The 2023 Sassicaia has great aging potential. Although it already shows charm and openness, it will continue to develop over the coming decades. Drinking window: 2027 to 2060. Reviews and ratings 100/100 points – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate: an exceptionally complete Sassicaia with intensity, balance, and a rare accessibility in its youth. 99/100 points – James Suckling: complex and layered with black fruit, spices, and refined tannins. Very characteristic and with great aging potential. Ordering The 2023 Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia is one of the most sought-after r