100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Sassicaia is a truly monumental wine and clearly amongst the most compelling releases I have ever tasted. As this begins to unwind in the glass it quickly becomes evident that this is a special wine. The aromatics are nothing short of breathtaking, showing beautifully perfumed nuances of dark cherries, dark plums and sweet red berries that are followed by spices, fresh florals, sweet tobacco, gravel and hints of licorice all taking shape in the glass. On the palate this is incredibly detailed, refined and polished, as it displays stunning finesse and purity. The overall balance and structure is simply magnificent, as it continues to impress with excellent precision and nuance all the way through the beautiful vivid finish. The 2021 already displays immediate allure and beauty, however at this early stage it still only offers a glimpse of what is ultimately to come for this thrilling wine. This is a sensational vintage of Sassicaia that is built for the ages.
100 Points - Jane Anson
Another great vintage in Tuscany, following a run of exceptional years, and as you might exect from this estate, we are here right at the top of what the vintage has produced. Expect to find softly grilled and smoked campfire notes on the opening, unrolling over ripe brambled berries, overlaid with incense, tobacco, sweetened red pepper, orange zest, liqourice and lavender. Sassicaia is a wine with a slow, gentle reveal, with a slate texture that highlights the subtle minerality and drawn out finish. My tastebuds are totally fired up, mouth watering, this is an active experience, you are engaged and wanting to lean in what happens next. Such clever winemaking, reflecting an exceptional terroir.
100 Points - 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.
