Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

A Celebration of Excellence: The 2018 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Bolgheri-Sassicaia

The Pinnacle of Italian Winemaking: The 2018 Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido stands as a monumental achievement in the world of wine, marking the 50th vintage of this iconic Super Tuscan. This exquisite blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc is not just a wine; it's a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion that define the Bolgheri DOC Sassicaia. With its dedicated appellation, Sassicaia is a pioneering force that has inspired countless others yet remains in a class of its own.

Unparalleled Terroir and Vintage: Nestled in the varied and complex soils of Bolgheri, with a strong presence of limestone, marl, pebbles, and clay, the vineyards of Tenuta San Guido enjoy an ideal west/south-west exposure. The 2018 vintage was heralded as classic Sassicaia, characterized by a balanced interplay of weather conditions that culminated in optimal ripeness, aromatic development, and phenolic complexity. The meticulous care in grape selection and the precise control over fermentation and maceration processes have resulted in a wine of unparalleled elegance and marked acidity.

Aging to Perfection: After completing malolactic fermentation, the 2018 Sassicaia was aged 24 months in a mix of French and a small part in American oak barriques, a decision tailored to the season's unique characteristics. This careful aging process has contributed to the wine's remarkable structure, finesse, and depth.

Acclaim and Accolades: The 2018 Sassicaia has been showered with high scores from esteemed wine critics, a reflection of its exceptional quality:

• 98 Wine Enthusiast
• 98 James Suckling
• 97+ Wine Advocate
• 97 Decanter Magazine
• 96 Wine Spectator

These scores underscore the wine's "beautifully balanced, finessed and classical" nature, as described by reviewers. James Suckling highlighted its "firm, silky" texture and "ultra-fine tannins," while Wine Enthusiast praised its "radiance and finesse." The Wine Advocate celebrated it as a "classic vintage of an Italian icon," Decanter Magazine admired its elegance and lift.

Wine Details:

• Alcohol %: 14.0%
• Bottle Size: 750 ml
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Appellation: Bolgheri

Tasting and Pairing: The 2018 Sassicaia is a symphony of flavors, with notes of cedar, wild red berry, menthol, and tobacco, complemented by cassis, orange zest, and licorice. Its vibrant acidity and polished tannins suggest a wine that, while already stunning, will continue to evolve gracefully. Ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes, from hearty red meats to refined cheeses, it promises to elevate any culinary experience.

A Legacy to Cherish: Named the Collector's Wine of the Year, the 2018 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is more than just a wine; it's a piece of history. Whether savored now or aged for future enjoyment, it offers a unique opportunity to partake in the legacy of one of Italy's most celebrated wineries. Best from 2025 through 2045, it invites wine enthusiasts to experience the pinnacle of Italian winemaking excellence.