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 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.