1996 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri DOC

Tenuta San Guido's Sassicaia remains one of the world's most sought-after cabernet-based 'Super Tuscans' and finds a natural role in any prestigious fine wine collection. So, we're delighted to be offering the now-mature 1996 which at the time was making its way through an tricky vintage, but was ultimately redeemed by thorough September ripening. Now, with over 25 years of ageing behind it, presents the ideal opportunity to enjoy the highest quality Italian cabernet in the way it was intended.

"Here's a little gem from Tenuta San Guido that has never been reviewed in Robert Parker Wine Advocate (except informally by me one year ago in a Hedonist's Gazette). I have consistently found the 1996 Bolgheri Sassicaia to be an impressive wine on the few occasions I have had to taste it. This is one of those rare underrated vintages that bring so much delight and surprise in an important retrospective such as this. As I recall from my informal tasting, this Sassicaia shows a heavy dose of Cabernet Sauvignon typicity but without the astringent medicinal tone or unripe greenness you might expect. Instead, it delivers a bright but balanced, tonic verve that is driven by the wine's natural acidity. I had previously paired this wine with an oversized bistecca alla fiorentina t-bone steak and the marriage was perfect. This was a difficult vintage in Bolgheri, but the results in the bottle suggest otherwise." -- 92 pts., Monica Larner, robertparker.com