Wine Reviews
The Tenuta San Guido 2023 Guidalberto comes from a challenging vintage, shaped by heat and rain that brought pressure from downy mildew, particularly affecting early-ripening Merlot. Big efforts were made during selection. Aromatically plump and expressive, the wine shows ripe cherry and blackberry preserves layered over a medium- to full-bodied mouthfeel, with primary fruit rounded by sweet notes of cinnamon. Despite the difficulties of the year, there is appealing freshness on the palate with hints of orange peel and blood orange that lift the fruit, giving the wine energy and balance.
The 2024 Guidalberto is laced with succulent dark red fruit, cedar, spice, pipe tobacco, licorice and dried herbs. Supple and easygoing, the 2024 is a wine to drink over the near and medium term. There’s a touch of evolution in the bouquet that reinforces this impression. The 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, less Merlot than usual because of the challenges of the growing season. Production is down by about 25%.
The 2023 Sassicaia is elegant and supremely polished. Dark, ample and mysterious, the 2023 has much to offer once it opens up a bit. Blackberry, gravel, incense and new leather convey tons of somber intensity. Cabernet Sauvignon speaks quite loudly in the 2023, despite the wine’s midweight structure. Tenuta San Guido’s 2023 Sassicaia is one of the wines of the vintage, an accomplishment that is even more impressive given the challenges of the growing season. Early April frost lowered yields in Merlot and Cabernet Franc by about 20%. Rain during flowering and fruit set resulted in loose bunches, perhaps not ideal for production but decidedly positive for air circulation, essential in a year with elevated disease pressure. The 2023 saw as much as 20-25 days on the skins, with the oldest parcels getting the longest vatting times. Malolactic fermentations were intentionally delayed; about 60% of the lots were done in barrel. The 2023 spent five months in used barriques, then 21 months in a combination of 44% new, 40% once-used and 16% twice-used barrels. This is an impressive showing. I can’t wait to see how the 2023 ages.
A fresh and crunchy red with aromas of plums, cherries, light chocolate and cinnamon, following through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Tangy, with a touch of orange peel. A delicious and satisfying glass of Tuscany red. The second wine of Sassicaia. Drink now.
Aromas of currants, cedar, mahogany, bark and orange peel say this is distinctly Tuscan. It’s medium-bodied with softness and freshness that bring you back for more. Very soft yet fine tannins. Juicy and subtle. So delicious now. Drink or hold.
