2016 Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia

ABOUT THE WINE. Sassicaia was conceived in the 1940s by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta on the gravelly slopes of Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri – sassicaia meaning “place of many stones”. First released commercially in 1968, it later earned its own DOC (Bolgheri Sassicaia) in 1994. The 2016 vintage comes from a long, warm growing season with a touch more rainfall than 2015, yielding a wine of remarkable precision and drive. It shows the estate’s hallmark Cabernet elegance with an extra thread of acidity that promises superb longevity.. TASTING NOTES. Focused and pure: blackberry, ripe cherry and cassis layered with grilled herbs, graphite, cedar and subtle spice. The palate is chiselled and linear, with fine, tightly knit tannins and bright acidity that carry the flavours in a seamless line to a long, powerful, saline-tinged finish. Poised rather than opulent; stunning clarity and balance. Decant 1–2 hours if drinking now.. FOOD PAIRING. Bistecca alla fiorentina, beef Wellington, roasted venison with porcini, charcoal-grilled rib-eye, or aged hard cheeses such as Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano.. FRIARWOOD SAYS. A modern benchmark Sassicaia – 100/100 (Wine Advocate, Monica Larner) – combining depth with pinpoint definition. Where 2015 is more immediate and plush, 2016 is all line, tension and precision, built to evolve gracefully. Drink 2024–2045+; patience will be richly rewarded.. View More Sassicaia Vintages