2011 - Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri

The 2011 Sassicaia, from magnum, has aged exceptionally well, certainly far better than I expected. Aromatic and wonderfully vibrant, the 2011 offers up an enticing mix of red cherry/plum fruit, dried flowers, tobacco, mocha and crushed autumn leaves. The warm, dry growing season was tempered by cooler evening temperatures toward the end of the season that were quite helpful in moderating the heat. The 2011 is so expressive, an absolute delight today.

The Tenuta San Guido 2011 Bolgheri Sassicaia is a pleasant surprise, showing a level of freshness and youthfulness that belies its age. Elegant mineral notes give the wine verticality and brightness, carrying the palate with clarity and lift, though a moment of dark fruit weight and blackcurrant on the mid-palate recalls the hot conditions of the 2011 growing season. This vintage was notably charming and generous on release, a character it shares with the current 2023 vintage, and that early appeal continues to translate into poise and balance today. If you have a bottle, this is a great moment to drink it.

The 2011 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia starts off a little restrained, with smoky, spice aromas and pressed flower notes but after an hour or so it opens up with ripe blackberry and bramble fruit. The tannins are a little bit more noticeable on the finish, but there is a wonderful, super luxurious texture with that signature crisp, balancing acidity and an aristocratic ease and weightlessness feeling on the palate.

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.Mid glowing ruby. Complex, subtle nose. Really juicy and appetising – and still quite youthful! This one will run and run and at the moment is just coming out of its shell – with the odd iodine note. Not a blockbuster but very well judged. (JR)