Tenuta San Guido - Sassicaia 2013 (750ml)
In the 1920s the Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta dreamt of creating a fundamental wine to appease the then aristocratic taste of Bordeaux wines. A wine produced from Cabernet Sauvignon however was a great change to the Tuscan and Piedmont tradition of Sangiovese and Nebbiolo but the decision to plant the variety came from the similarity that he notes between the Tuscan terroir and Graves in Bordeaux. The wine was initially not received well but gradually by 1968-Sassicaia's first commercial release- the wine received high acclaim and was worthy of a Bordeaux Premier Cru."
The Wine Independent: 99 Points
The 2013 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia was one of the stars of this vertical for me and a big surprise. It is just so graceful and harmonious. The aromas and flavors are brighter and in sharper focus and the tannins are even more seamless than before. Carlo Paoli told me that he also loves this vintage - the weather conditions were so good, with no excess of heat or rain. As he says, "Everything was slow, calm and beautiful." The 2013 Sassicaia reflects this ease. The palate has a lovely combination of a velvety texture, with just the right weight, and thrilling acidity. The fine tannins almost disappear on the finish.
Reviewed by: Susan Hulme
Review date: 2022-12-01
Decanter: 99 Points
The Sassicaia 2013 is just beautiful, and it takes a leap forward in quality. There is even greater precision and transparency with the aromas and flavours, there is a wonderful harmony and ease on the palate and there are even finer, and more seamless tannins on this wine. According to my co-host, Priscilla Incisa Della Rocchetta 2013 was a 'record vintage for Sassicaia'. Carlo Paoli adds, 'spring arrived early but without excess, summer started slowly and was only hot for 20 days and they started harvest mid-September for Cabernet Sauvignon. Everything was slow, calm and beautiful.' The 2013 is at the beginning of its drinking window and drinking beautifully now, but it still has a long time to go. (Drink between 2022-2040)
James Suckling: 98 Points
9 Nov 2016 ? Fabulous structure for a Sassicaia with powerful polished chewy tannins and ripe subtle fruit. Aromas of blueberries blackcurrants rosemary and lavender. Full body bright acidity and a savory finish. Juicy and lively. Better to drink this beginning in 2020 but so impressive now.
Wine Enthusiast: 98 Points
"Red berry cedar and light spice aromas lead the way on this dazzling red. The vibrant palate is loaded with finesse delivering bright red currant red raspberry white pepper and chopped herb alongside bright acidity and firm polished tannins. Impeccably balanced it's loaded with elegance energy and intensity but it's still young so give it time to fully develop."
Kerin O'Keefe: 98 Points
Red berry, cedar and light spice aromas lead the way on this dazzling red. The vibrant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering bright red currant, red raspberry, white pepper and chopped herb alongside bright acidity and firm, polished tannins. Impeccably balanced, it's loaded with elegance, energy and and intensity but it's still young so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2020-2038.
Wine Advocate: 97 Points
"The 2013 Bolgheri Sassicaia is released 30 years after the death of Tenuta San Guido founder Mario Incisa della Rocchetta and in the same year that his son Nicolò celebrated his 80th birthday. This is a wine of excellent execution beautiful balance and seamless intensity. The bouquet opens slowly to reveal delicate aromas of dark fruit and integrated spice that build in steady strength. That forward momentum which is so specific to Sassicaia is what ultimately brings us confidence in the wine's remarkable ageing potential. The mouthfeel delivers freshness and power but in measured doses with long and silky persistence. The 2013 vintage should be set aside for ten more years."
Wine Spectator: 95 Points
"A racy tightly wound style this offers violet black currant cherry wild herb spice and mineral flavors matched to a dense smooth texture. Shows finesse and intensity in a seemingly effortless manner. The aftertaste is long and focused. Should provide years of pleasure. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc."
Vinous: 92 Points
"Tasted from separate lots in barrel the 2013 Sassicaia is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Rich layered and expansive on the palate the 2013 possesses remarkable depth spherical texture and fine silky tannins that wrap around the finish. A first sample taken from a parcel in Mandrione shows remarkable perfume while a second sample from 40 year-old vines in Castiglioncello is all about density and power. There is a lot to look forward to here that much is obvious."
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