San Guido
Sassicaia
VINTAGE
2018
COUNTRY
Italy
TABLE #
6339
REGION
Bolgheri, Tuscany
96
A rich, black cherry– and black currant–flavored red, accented by cedar, wild herb and spice notes, this is supple and vibrant, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and an emerging mineral element. Firms up nicely on the finish. Hard to keep from enjoying this now, but it will develop well with age. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2021 through 2043. 17,200 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.
Sassicaia means “the place of many stones,” and refers to the region’s gravel soil. The original vineyards have a southwest exposure with extensive sun and maritime breezes that create robust vegetation. The grapes were handpicked, destemmed and crushed before fermenting with natural yeasts for 15 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged in French oak barriques (40% new) for 24 months, then refined for 6 months in bottle before release.
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
The wine was placed in French oak barrels, (for almost two third new wood and the rest, first and second passage) where it spent a period of aging of 24 months.
The 2018 vintage was a classic year for Sassicaia. Autumn and early winter were characterized by temperatures above seasonal norm with sporadic rains, sometimes alluvial. This lasted until February, with greater intensity of rain and some snow at the highest altitudes. The situation was radically changed by “Burian”, a wind from Siberia that in the last week of February, caused temperatures to drop well below zero, accompanied by snowfalls, even in Bolgheri. This had not occurred for years, with day and night temperatures that, for over a week, remained between 28 and 41 °F. From an agronomic point of view, this was positive in eliminating the parasites from the vine. It also helped feeding the water reserves.
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 under-ripe.
Pair with rich flavors like braised meats, osso bucco and aged, hard cheeses.
