Tenuta San Guido - Sassicaia 2012 (750ml)
Wine Enthusiast: 99 Points
"One of Italy?s most iconic bottlings the 2012 Sassicaia is drop-dead gorgeous. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc it boasts sensations of blue flowers cedar juicy red currants ripe raspberries white pepper and a balsamic note. Structured radiant and loaded with finesse it delivers everything you?d expect from a world-class wine and more. "
Kerin O'Keefe: 99 Points
Falstaff: 96 Points
Deep dark, rich ruby with slight purple shimmer. Very intense and dense nose, opens with fine herbal notes, then lush blackcurrant to bite into, fine macchia notes in the background. Balanced and round, shows a lot of vivid fruit, unfolds with fine-meshed, supple tannin that builds in many layers, long finish.
James Suckling: 95 Points
"Lots of lavender minerals and black currants on the nose. Turns to black berries. Full body ultra-refined tannins and an exquisite finish. This is all about delicacy finesse and grace. Yet there is a solid core of ripe tannins giving it backbone and outstanding form. Better in 2017 but so delicious already. A wonderful surprise. "
Vinous Media: 94 Points
The 2012 Sassicaia is dark and immediate, with gorgeous up-front richness, density and power. Black cherry jam, cloves and new leather are some of the many signatures that take shape in the glass. The 2012 is an unusually deep, concentrated Sassicaia that is going to need time in bottle to develop the full breadth of its aromas and flavors. Today, it is a bit monolithic, so readers need to be patient. (Drink between 2020-2037)
fsWine Spectator: 93 Points
A rich and intense style, this exhibits flavors of vanilla, toast and black cherry wrapped in stern tannins. A bit gruff overall, showing just a hint of the elegance and finesse on the lengthy finish. Needs some time. Best from 2019 through 2032. 18,000 cases made.
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
Tenuta San Guido's newest release is the 2012 Bolgheri Sassicaia. This was a warm vintage, especially during summer months that saw hot winds and little rain. Thankfully, winter months delivered ample precipitation. Vines had good access to moisture underground. Production of the lower-tier wines was reduced: Le Difese was cut by 40% and Guidalberto by 30%. But Sassicaia’s production numbers remained stable at 200,000 bottles because all the estate’s best fruit was directed toward this product. Fruit was harvested a bit early to avoid problems with over ripeness. The wine presents a soft, velvety mouthfeel with plump cherry, fruity berry, blue flower and spice. Perhaps it shows more simplicity overall, but it does so with an impressive sense of harmony and confidence. This is not one of the great vintages of Sassicaia, but the wine flaunts its considerable pedigree nonetheless. It should age gracefully for twenty years or more.
