2013 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy

Mid-crimson with the strong balsam note on the nose that I noted when I tasted a couple of samples of this wine last month. Very much a restrained style – nothing like the full-on opulence of Ornellaia. I wonder whether there is quite a bit of younger-vine fruit in the blend? But it builds towards the most appetising and elegant finish. Pretty smart, but it seems just a little timorous. I don't think this will go down as one of Sassicaia's landmark vintages. Drink 2020 - 2040jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (November 2016)

Light cherry red in colour, with a beautiful vibrancy. On the nose, we have clean, bright redcurrant fruits. This is not the most intense year for Sassicaia, yet the palate comes through slowly but steadily, building in momentum until a smoky edge adds depth to the fruit. Gently, carefully the perfumed layers and fragrant richness really start to kick in through the mid palate. There is a sense of the sheer cleverness of the balance. Lingering flavours of sage and blackberry that peep over your shoulder and prove themselves to be remarkably tenacious. Subtly beautiful. They use one-third new oak in all the recent vintages, and it is exceptionally well integrated for such a young wine.jane_anson_mw, Decanter.com (October 2016)

Fabulous structure for a Sassicaia with powerful, polished, chewy tannins and ripe, subtle fruit. Aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, rosemary and lavender. Full body, bright acidity and a savoury finish. Juicy and lively. Better to drink this beginning in 2020 but so impressive now.james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (November 2016)

The Sassicaia 2013 is just beautiful, and it takes a leap forward in quality. There is even greater precision and transparency with the aromas and flavours, there is a wonderful harmony and ease on the palate and there are even finer, and more seamless tannins on this wine. According to my co-host, Priscilla Incisa Della Rocchetta 2013 was a 'record vintage for Sassicaia'. Carlo Paoli adds, 'Spring arrived early but without excess, summer started slowly and was only hot for 20 days and they started harvest mid-September for Cabernet Sauvignon. Everything was slow, calm and beautiful.' The 2013 is at the beginning of its drinking window and drinking beautifully now, but it still has a long time to go.Drink 2022 - 2040Susan Hulme MW, Decanter.com (November 2022)

I had reviewed this wine just a few months prior and my impression has remained pretty much the same. One difference I did notice at this more recent tasting of the 2013 Bolgheri Sassicaia is the bouquet. It has shifted to slightly more delicate and finessed aromas of pressed flower and blue violets. You do of course get that solid core of dark fruit and spice that characterizes this famous Tuscan blend. But that extra time in the bottle has awarded wiggle room for profound precision and focused detailing. The wine's complexity emerges slowly with subtle notes of savory spice and tobacco. There is power and depth here, especially in terms of the mouthfeel. As the wine evolves in the glass, it begins to show ethereal tones of road paving, tar and licorice. This Sassicaia should go straight into the cellar.Monica Larner - 28/04/2017

Tasted from separate lots in barrel, the 2013 Sassicaia is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Rich, layered and expansive on the palate, the 2013 possesses remarkable depth, spherical texture and fine, silky tannins that wrap around the finish. A first sample, taken from a parcel in Mandrione shows remarkable perfume, while a second sample, from 40 year-old vines in Castiglioncello is all about density and power. There is a lot to look forward to here, that much is obvious. 2013 was a big departure from the preceding two vintages. Cold, rainy weather in the spring delayed flowering and also lowered yields by 20-30% depending on the estate. The rest of the year was cool by Maremma standards, which extended the growing season by a few weeks. The end of the summer was characterized by cool nights and warm days with no heat spikes, ideal conditions for gradual ripening of tannin and the natural development of color. …….In general, the 2013s are aromatic, a bit lighter in body than is the norm, and refined in style. The personality of the year is an attractive foil to the natural richness that is such a calling card of Maremma. 93-96+ /100 antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com

Tasted from separate lots in barrel, the 2013 Sassicaia is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Rich, layered and expansive on the palate, the 2013 possesses remarkable depth, spherical texture and fine, silky tannins that wrap around the finish. A first sample, taken from a parcel in Mandrione shows remarkable perfume, while a second sample, from 40-year-old vines in Castiglioncello, is all about density and power. There is a lot to look forward to here, that much is obvious.Tenuta San Guido fans will find much to admire in these new releases. The entry-level Le Difese and mid-tier Guidalberto are both strong (something that is not always the case), while the 2012 Sassicaia looks like it will drink well early relative to its historical track record. Sassicaia remains the most classic of the big Tuscan wines, with an emphasis on aromatic freshness and acidity that is the result of picking earlier than is common in most neighbouring properties. I was quite impressed with the wines I tasted on my most recent visit a few months ago.Drink 2023 - 2043antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com (October 2015)