2009 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy

The 2009 Sassicaia is unusually big, rich and opulent. Layers of fruit saturate the palate as the 2009 explodes from the glass with a heady melange of dark berries, plums, menthol, licorice and new leather. This is an especially racy Sassicaia. Readers who enjoy the classicism of Sassicaia are likely to find the 2009 too rich, especially at this early stage. The wine needs at least a few years in bottle to drop some of its baby fat. Despite its huge fruit, the 2009 is also pretty closed down and not anywhere close to being ready to show off its pedigree. Sassicaia is arguably Italy’s most famous wine, so it’s always great when it lives up to its reputation. If the entry-level wines are any indication, vintage 2010 wasn’t easy at Tenuta San Guido. Among the more affordable wines, readers should focus on vintages 2006-2009, which are more consistent. It will be interesting to see where the 2010 Sassicaia comes out next year. In the meantime, the 2009 Sassicaia is compelling. antonio_galloni - Wine Advocate #201 - Jun 2012

Sassicaia is really on a roll right now, so you shouldn’t miss buying some of the recent releases. I don’t think we have seen so many excellent vintages from the famous Cabernet Sauvignon-based Tuscan red since the 1980s. The 2009is fantastic. Intense and super long on the palate. It’s insanely complex yet subtle with so much going on, with a beautiful balance and tension. It is full and powerful with a big juicy character that goes on for minutes. Muscular yet covered with pretty fruit. Hard not to drink. But better in 2016. james_suckling- www.jamessuckling_com - June 2012