Sassicaia 2020 (750ML)

97 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: "Complex aromas and flavors of black currant, blackberry, iron, sweet tobacco and Mediterranean herbs are the hallmarks of this elegant, tensile red, which is already revealing plenty, yet still feels reserved, as though there were many more facets to be discovered. Superb harmony, freshness and a long aftertaste prevail. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2045..." 7/23

97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2020 Sassicaia is a bold, rapturous wine. Dark, fleshy and expansive on the palate, the 2020 offers up scents of blackberry jam, gravel, spice, new leather, licorice and crème de cassis. Potent tannins are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Sassicaia is never a huge wine, the 2020 does seem to have an extra dimension of textural intensity. It's an intensity that is hugely appealing. Estate Manager Carlo Paoli describes 2020 as a year with a long, rainy winter and a cold spring. "Temperatures warmed up in the middle of June," he explained. "July was very hot, but heat moderated in August. Even so, it was a year in which ripeness moved quickly, as opposed to 2021 when ripeness was more gradual. We picked the entire estate in 22 days instead of the 29-30 that is more typical." The 2020 spent 15-18 days on the skins, followed by 25 months in French oak, 50% new. Production is down about 30% because of selection in the vineyard." 02/23

97 points, Kerin O’Keefe, www.kerinokeefe.com: “The 2020 Sassicaia reveals enticing aromas of blue flower, dark-skinned fruit and sea breeze. Smooth and delicious, the generous palate delivers layers of ripe blackcurrant, crushed raspberry, licorice and dried botanical herb. Exhibiting more concentration and richness than usual, it’s also polished and poised, with velvety, tightly woven tannins that envelope the finish. Drink through 2032.” 02/23

97 points, James Button, Decanter: “Frosts damaged the the earlier-developing Cabernet Franc in late March, leading to reduced production but superb quality fruit. Spring was mild and summer was generally warm, but a rapid acceleration of maturation in late summer forced the team to begin picking in the first week of September to avoid any overripeness. A traditional 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc blend, its blackcurranty, dusty, leafy and cedary character is brought into focus by an intense and balsamic palate. It's poised and light on its feet with super-fresh acidity and a fine-grained, almost imperceptible tannic structure. Ripe and tangy raspberry and blueberry fruits linger on the mid-palate, leading to a long, fresh finish with some cream and chocolate notes. This will reward cellaring into the 2050s, yet you'll get plenty of pleasure from it in its youth. 'We advise to keep it at least 10 months in the bottle before opening,' states third-generation Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta.”

97 Points, J. D'Angelo, International Wine Report: "The 2020 Sassicaia is simply brilliant and beautifully put together, possessing all the components needed to ultimately become a truly classic vintage for this legendary wine. As this begins to unwind in the glass, it releases gorgeous aromatics of pure dark cherries and blackberries, which take on additional nuances of freshly cut spring flowers, spices, crushed stones, mint and a touch of balsam, which are impossible to resist. This continues to impress on the palate with its beautiful refined texture, striking finesse and outstanding overall balance. It remains incredibly fresh, focused and precise, as it makes an elegant transition into the tapered finish that lingers effortlessly. Today, this is only beginning to express itself and there is no doubt this will be an age worthy vintage of Sassicaia that will continue to take on additional characteristics over time and go on to flourish in the cellar for decades to come." 02/23

97 points, James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com: “A very perfumed Sassicaia on the nose with forest floor, citrus and deep dark fruits. Blackcurrants. Cedar and black tea. Some balsamic. Pine needles. Full and very succulent. Really long, structured and complete. Tangy and energetic with a linear line of fresh tannins and acidity. Very Sassicaia throughout. 85% cabernet sauvignon and the rest is cabernet franc. Very attractive now in a youthful and vibrant way, but this will be better in three to four years. Try after 2027.” 02/23

96 points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The Tenuta San Guido 2020 Bolgheri Sassicaia speaks to those who seek a more voluptuous, opulent and, ultimately, more accessible wine. This vintage is a precise reflection of Coastal Tuscany, as opposed to a more generic "Tuscan" wine from elsewhere in this large central Italian region. You taste the ripeness and soft fruit weight that comes from a coastal appellation with especially bright luminosity and warm Mediterranean offshore breezes. Sassicaia from the cool vintages is a famously reticent or withholding wine in its earliest years, requiring a long lead time before it eases into an ideal drinking window. That's definitely not the case here. This wine is beautiful and compelling straight out of the gate, showing a lovely mix of dark fruit, oak spice, balanced freshness, textural richness, soft tannins and an expertly contained 14% alcohol content. The wine's immediate character is what distinguishes this vintage, and I wouldn't get too fussed by exaggerated cellar-aging ambitions. The wine awards sheer pleasure in its current form, with dazzling primary fruit and soaring intensity over the near and medium term.” 01/23

98+ points, Luca Gardini, GardiniNotes.com: “Ruby color, compact and brilliant. The nose has clear hints of blackberry, with slightly wild touches of marjoram, floral nuances of peony and a iodine-balsamic finish. In the mouth crisp red fruits, tannins well blended with the fresh-saline component, balsamic and licorice returns at the end, excellent drinkability. A wine that will last over time.”