98+

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the great modern-day Sassicaias. Powerful and imposing in its first impression, the 2021 makes it clear from the outset that it's a long-distance runner. A rush of dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, dried flowers, graphite, mint and sage all build into an utterly captivating crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. The growing season was characterized by cool and wet conditions that began during the 2020/2021 Winter and then carried into spring. Conditions were varied throughout spring, with episodes of both rain and heat. Temperatures were warmer than usual at the beginning of summer, then moderated during August. At harvest, grapes were especially concentrated. That allowed for long macerations, as long as 20 days for some Cabernets. Aging was 25 months in French oak barrels (95% French, 5% a mix of Hungarian and Slavonian wood), 40% new, 40% once-used barrels and 20% twice-used barrels. One of the recent developments here is some bâtonnage in aging, which is used to build texture. The 2021 is quite simply dazzling. 05/2026

100

Monica Larner

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Here it is: A quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage and also respects the unique taste profile of this distinguished Tuscan blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc. The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia offers impeccable balance, excellent freshness and absolutely no signs of over-ripeness. The fruit balance is ideal with a hint of crunch and lasting tension from pulp and skins. The tannins are deftly managed with firm grip and enough velvetiness to add volume and length. There is no greenness on the bouquet that instead offers mulled herbs and spice, with cinnamon and clove, layered delicately between mostly red and some purple berry fruits. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and Rainier cherry run strong in this vintage. A fragrant hint of heritage rose emerges with time. The oak tones are geared toward gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like a grilled sweet red pepper. To the palate, it offers nice weight with no heavy glycerin, and a rinse of acidity that adds to the wine’s natural energy, brightness and viscosity. That marked freshness opens the wine up to long aging potential, but you still need to give it more time in bottle. 01/2024

99

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Sassicaia is remarkable for being simultaneously complex yet transparent. In the glass, it displays a bright jeweled ruby red hue. On my second tasting of this wine, the nose was much more expressive than in my initial tasting the previous day, offering pure aromas of raspberry, pretty lifted spices and lavender, dusty earth, and fresh Mediterranean herbs, and as it opens, it develops notes of rhubarb, incense, and sandalwood. The palate is pure and expressive, with well-defined, ripe tannins, seamless acidity, and refreshing saltiness, but its shining pure fruit is what stands out and will shine for decades to come. 03/2025

98

James Suckling

James Suckling

Very classy and typical of Sassicaia with currant, tobacco, chocolate, sage and lavender on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied with very integrated and refined tannins that are caressing and pretty with a lovely length and beauty. Such finesse and structure at the same time. Best in 2028 and beyond but already joy to taste. 01/2024