The famous auction house Pandolfini in Florence, celebrates its centenary this year.The wine department decided to mark this occasion with a very special review and tasting in their magnificent home in Florence: Palazzo Ramirez Montalvo.
Introducing the wines and sharing the history of Sassicaia was the latest leader of this most venerated of all Italian wineries: Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, the next chair was taken by Carlo Paoli, Tenuta San Guido General manager.
The setting for this fabulous tasting was dressed to receive the fifty friends of Pandolfini and wine journalists.The event preceded the wine auction appropriately named “As Time Goes By” carried over three consecutive days, including some of Italy’s greatest wines such as Sassicaia 1985 in bottle and magnum.
The Sassicaia vintages selected for the tasting and served from double magnums were 2013, 2010, 2007, 2004, 2000 and 1995.
My sincere thanks to Pandolfini Casa d'Aste, Tenuta San Guido and special thanks to Federico Dettori of Pandolfini Vini for his gracious invitation. TW
Tasting notes
Tenuta San Guido
Sassicaia DOC 2013
Medium ruby red in colour. Delicate aromatics of violet, pale rose petal and gardenia florals, cedar notes and white smoke. Dark cherry, blueberry, plum, dried Mediterranean herbs and distant pomegranate. Immediately shows class upon entry, showing grace and finesse. Compact tannins vie with spiky acidity. Expands slowly from mid palate showing complex layered minerality. Juicy and agile. Lingers on the close. Nearing its plateau with a long middle aged life ahead.
Points 95+ TW
Tenuta San Guido
Sassicaia DOC 2010
Medium ruby red in colour with bright reflections. Subdued aromas of dark blue and purple florals with distant orange blossom. Rainer cherry, dewberry, plum, white smoke, mellow whiff of eucalyptus and dried sage accompanied by floral underbrush. Rich entry, showing textural depth and volume, tannins have almost dissolved leaving the fresh acidity to raise the energy profile. Balanced like the scales of justice. Broad juicy close. A liquid pleasure indulgence.
Points 97 TW
Tenuta San Guido
Sassicaia DOC 2007
Opaque garnet red in colour with ruby red undertones. Dried spring flowers, dry tobacco leaf, mushroom, blackcurrant jam and distant mint. Blackcurrant, blackberry, damson, dark plum, eucalyptus and orange peel. Racy from the start, straight into the gallop (well, it is Tenuta San Guido after all). Still showing tons of energy. Fruit in bold print. Layered mineral profile. Puff of white smoke coming off mid palate. Fresh as if it was bottled yesterday. Expands on an articulated finish.
Points 95 TW
Tenuta San Guido
Sassicaia DOC 2004
Bright and intense ruby red in colour. Delicate florals of violet, hyacinth and pale rose petal. Bing cherry, blackcurrant, cranberry, plum, pomegranate, balsam, dried Mediterranean herbs and orange zest. Mainly red berry fruits predominant, surrounded by saline infused energy. Matured fine tannins engage with friendly acidity. Following on from mid palate, secondary nuances of sweet scented spice and floral underbrush. Great structural integrity. Savoury, linear and balanced. Showing very well.
Points 95+ TW
Tenuta San Guido
Sassicaia DOC 2000
Medium ruby red in colour with garnet undertone. Complex bouquet led by balsamic notes, dried sage, sweet blonde tobacco and ripe red cherry and blackcurrant infused in spirit. Bing cherry, loganberry, salty liquorice, spiced orange peel with dry forest floor. Compact tannins strive with tangy acidity and sharp edged minerality. Cool wine from a hot year. Sour fruit notes mix with salinity on the long close.
Points 92 TW
Tenuta San Guido
Sassicaia DOC 1995
Medium garnet in colour with shadows of an amber rim. Aromas of dried fig, prune and raisin with yellow floral notes. Dried fruits, grilled rosemary, flint and bitter chocolate. Infused notes of Mocha and minerality. A touch hollow at its core. Needs weight to carry through from mid palate. Showing its age sadly. Medium length on the finish. Leaving dry mouthfeel.
Points 88 TW
© Tony Wood Italian Wine 2024