Cabernet SauvignonPiedmontSangioveseNebbioloTenuta San GuidoCabernet SauvignonMario Incisa40Graves
1999 PalmettagravesgravelSassicaia

D.O.C. Bolgheri Sassicaia (D.O.C. Sassicaia)

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

(Robert Parker’s rating: 97+ points)
2018Sassicaia50 2018 Sassicaia 2024-2045

A wine made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon was a fundamental change to the Tuscan and Piedmont tradition of Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, respectively. The innovative decision to plant this variety at Tenuta San Guido was partly due to the similarity Mario Incisa had noted between Tuscan terrain and that of Graves in Bordeaux.

Rocks excavated from the Palmetta vineyard before replanting it in 1999. Graves, or gravel in French refers to the rocky terrain which distinguishes the Bordeaux area; similarly, the gravely vineyard sites in Tuscany impart the same characteristics on Sassicaia, “stony ground”, as its cherished French brother.

Appellation:
D.O.C. Bolgheri Sassicaia (D.O.C. Sassicaia)

Country of Origin:
Toscana, Italy

Type:
Red/Rouge (Still)

Grape Varieties:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes:
(Robert Parker’s rating: 97+ points)
This is a classic vintage of an Italian icon now celebrating its 50th vintage(The first commercial vintage of Sassicaia was 1968)…The wine’s careful balance is achieved thanks to the nuanced character of the fruit, the present acidity, the well-managed structure and the contained alcohol. The palate is lifted and bright, the finish is polished and long, and the wine skips over any heaviness on the mid-palate. The bouquet is especially intriguing with a very lively plummy fruit element that is enhanced by baker’s chocolate, pepper spice, iron ore, caramel and pie crust. There is also a green character that adds positively to the bouquet with aniseed, tea leaf, soya, menthol rub and black olive. The fruit maturity is spot-on with no elements that feel over or underripe. Overall, the 2018 Sassicaia weighs in with a svelte frame and long persistence. Moreover, it is distinguished by the archetypal elegance and pedigree of the classic vintages of the past. (Drink date: 2024-2045)