Sassicaia 2021

The Sassicaia 2021 is a blockbuster vintage worthy of a space in collectors' private cellars.

"Here it is: a quintessential Sassicaia that epitomises the excellence of the vintage while respecting the distinctive taste profile of this renowned Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia delivers impeccable balance, excellent freshness, and absolutely no signs of over-ripeness. The fruit balance is ideal, with a hint of crunch and lasting tension from pulp and skins. The tannins are expertly managed, offering a firm grip alongside a velvety texture that adds volume and length. There is no greenness on the bouquet, which instead reveals mulled herbs and spices such as cinnamon and clove, delicately layered with predominantly red and some purple berry fruits. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate, and Rainier cherry shine in this vintage. Over time, a fragrant hint of heritage rose emerges. The oak tones evoke gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood, and even a grilled sweet red pepper. On the palate, it offers excellent weight without heavy glycerine, complemented by a cleansing acidity that enhances the wine’s natural energy, brightness, and viscosity. This pronounced freshness gives the wine exceptional ageing potential, though it still requires more time in the bottle." - Wine Advocate, 100 points

"Very classy and typical of Sassicaia, with notes of currant, tobacco, chocolate, sage, and lavender on both the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied, the tannins are highly integrated, refined, and caressing, delivering a lovely length and beauty. There is such finesse and structure present simultaneously. Best enjoyed from 2028 onwards, but already a joy to taste." - James Suckling, 98 points

"The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the finest young Sassicaias I can recall tasting, certainly on par with any in recent memory. The approach here involves picking earlier than many neighbouring estates, contributing to Sassicaia’s signature refinement over opulence. Yet, the 2021 vintage avoids being overly light. A long growing season resulted in a rich, deep wine marrying textural intensity with classicism. Dark cherry and plum fruit, spice, new leather, menthol, liquorice, and additional spice race across the palate. Time in the glass reveals the wine’s textural intensity and sheer power. The 2021 is among the most concentrated Sassicaias on record, enabling extended macerations of up to 20 days for some Cabernets. The wine aged for 25 months in French oak barrels (95% French, 5% a mix of Hungarian and Slavonian wood), with 40% new oak, 40% once-used barrels, and 20% twice-used barrels. Recent practices, such as bâtonnage during ageing, have enhanced the wine’s texture. In a word: magnificent." - Vinous, 98+points

"In 2021, ‘we had a nicely paced harvest... surely a very fortunate vintage for us, for Bolgheri,’ said Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta at the London launch of the 2021 Sassicaia vintage. Timely rain in mid-August salvaged the harvest, with production slightly exceeding 2020 levels. Approximately eight to ten separate vinifications were carried out, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Wines were racked to second- and third-use barriques in December 2021, then transferred to a mix of new and used barriques in March 2022. The final blend was created in stainless steel tanks, undergoing micro-oxygenation before bottling and further bottle ageing. Aromas of rich dark fruits and herbs intermingle with blueberry and petrichor, leading to an intense, vertical palate that is remarkably fresh, with a breezy, saline character. Integrated tannins underscore Sassicaia’s refinement, displaying a touch of youthful dustiness. Tangy, vibrant black, blue, and red berry fruits are layered with dark chocolate and forest undergrowth. Pomegranate and stony minerality emerge mid-palate. The 2021 vintage showcases sapid fruit, characteristic freshness, and an elegant lightness, finishing with remarkable length and poise. Simply superb." - Decanter, 99 points

"Initially restrained on the nose, offering comforting and luxurious notes of hot coffee paired with warm berry tart, the aroma quickly turns more serious with hints of leather-bound books and crisp autumn air. The palate brims with berries, balanced by vibrant acidity, while the tannins are like a silk textile—strong yet supple, seamlessly flowing through an endless finish." - Wine Enthusiast, 98 points