Sassicaia 1996

San Guido

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Tasting Notes

Am loving that tingle of tannins that I am now getting, just beautiful. The florality is heightened, with roses and redcurrant leaf, soft white truffles, and the most beautiful rolling tobacco. Supremely elegant, a masculine wine but one that is in full ‘holding open the door’ mode. A nose that keeps on opening up, pausing to allow you to catch up. We are in libraries, secret passages, you feel the history of the building in this wine. You feel that it is a testament to its time. Gorgeous, makes you smile with joy at how good great wine can be. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc.

Score: 98

Jane Anson, Decanter.com 01 February 2018

Here's a little gem from Tenuta San Guido that has never been reviewed in Robert Parker Wine Advocate (except informally by me one year ago in a Hedonist's Gazette). I have consistently found the 1996 Bolgheri Sassicaia to be an impressive wine on the few occasions I have had to taste it. This is one of those rare underrated vintages that bring so much delight and surprise in an important retrospective such as this. As I recall from my informal tasting, this Sassicaia shows a heavy dose of Cabernet Sauvignon typicity but without the astringent medicinal tone or unripe greenness you might expect. Instead, it delivers a bright but balanced, tonic verve that is driven by the wine's natural acidity. I had previously paired this wine with an oversized bistecca alla fiorentina t-bone steak and the marriage was perfect. This was a difficult vintage in Bolgheri, but the results in the bottle suggest otherwise.

Score: 92

Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2028 28 April 2017

The 1996 Sassicaia has a rather medicinal bouquet, with soft, lush red-berried fruit, touches of molasses and toffee all with moderate definition. The palate is medium-bodied with attractive rounded tannins, lower acidity expected, very approachable but not as complex as the 1998. There are notes of mulberry, leather, cedar and a touch of tobacco, with fine delineation on the finish. Perhaps its lacks a little chutzpah? Drinking perfectly now. Tasted February 2010.

Score: 90

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 31 July 2011

Mid crimson, slightly pale rim. Just 12.5% alcohol. Fragrant, light nose. Sweet start and then quite a bit of acidity, tannins very fine. Lean, ballet dancer of a wine. Very appetising and old fashioned. Neat finish.

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2005-2012 21 October 2005

A well-structured Sass, with plenty of blackberry and dried herb character. Full-bodied, with plenty of ripe tannins and a currant bush and herb finish. Give it time to develop. Best after 2001.

Score: 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2001+ 30 November 1999