Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia 2023
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc
Vintage 2023
ABV 14%
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2023 Toscana IGT stands as one of the most profound and emotionally compelling releases in the history of this legendary Super Tuscan. Universally regarded as the wine that changed Italian winemaking forever, Sassicaia continues to set the global standard for elegance, longevity, and terroir expression. The 2023 vintage elevates that legacy even further, earning a perfect 100-point score from Monica Larner (The Wine Advocate) and immediate recognition as one of the great modern vintages.
Rarely does Sassicaia reveal such generosity in its youth. Yet 2023 defies expectations, offering immediate pleasure while retaining the structural integrity required for decades of cellar ageing.
Vintage Overview: A Difficult Year, A Historic Result
The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri was anything but easy. A cold winter and above-average rainfall set the stage for a severe outbreak of downy mildew, forcing producers into ruthless vineyard decisions. At Tenuta San Guido, this meant strict fruit selection and a 20% reduction in yields—sacrifices that proved decisive.
Only estates willing to prioritize quality over quantity succeeded. The result is a wine that Monica Larner likens to the legendary 1985 Sassicaia: a vintage born of pressure, resilience, and precision, delivering extraordinary depth and finesse.
Wine Critic Tasting Notes & Score
Monica Larner – The Wine Advocate
Score: 100 Points
“Very few vintages of this legendary Tuscan wine deliver the immediate joy, richness and complexity found in the Tenuta San Guido 2023 Bolgheri Sassicaia… This is a wine that feels uncannily open and generous in its youth, a rare trait for Sassicaia, which is famously inscrutable at this stage.”
The blend features Cabernet Sauvignon with 13–14% Cabernet Franc, the latter playing a decisive phenolic role. Aromatically, the wine opens with wild sage, rosemary, and dark fruit, evolving into crushed stone minerality, rose petal, and an intricate spice profile of pink peppercorn, nutmeg, anise, cardamom, bergamot, and blood orange. A subtle note of mentuccia romana, softer and sweeter than mint, adds nuance.
On the palate, the wine is silky yet energized, with chalky tannins, mineral tension, and brilliant acidity that ensures exceptional ageing potential. The wine remains fluid in the glass, revealing new layers with time, an unmistakable hallmark of great Sassicaia.
Blend, Terroir & Winemaking
Grape Composition
• Cabernet Sauvignon (majority)
• Cabernet Franc (13–14%)
Terroir
• Bolgheri, Toscana IGT
• Gravelly, limestone-rich soils with excellent drainage
• Maritime influence from the Tyrrhenian Sea
Winemaking Philosophy
Tenuta San Guido’s philosophy is rooted in restraint, precision, and respect for terroir. The Cabernet Franc component in 2023 reinforces linearity, elegance, and aromatic brightness, elevating the wine’s complexity while preserving its signature balance.
Ageing Potential & Drinking Window
While remarkably expressive today, Sassicaia 2023 is built for the long haul. Its vibrant acidity, mineral backbone, and refined tannins suggest a drinking window extending 30–40 years, with peak maturity expected between 2035 and 2055.
Decanting for 2–3 hours is recommended if enjoying young.
Why Buy Sassicaia 2023?
• Perfect 100-point score from Monica Larner
• One of the most accessible yet age-worthy Sassicaia vintages ever released
• Low yields and high selection make this a highly collectible wine
• A cornerstone bottle for any serious cellar or investment portfolio
FAQs
Q. What makes Sassicaia 2023 special?
A. The combination of a challenging vintage, severe yield reduction, and an unusually open, expressive profile makes 2023 both rare and historic, earning a perfect 100-point score.
Q. Is Sassicaia 2023 suitable for long-term ageing?
A. Yes. Despite its early charm, the wine’s acidity and tannin structure ensure decades of ageing potential.
Q. How does Sassicaia differ from other Super Tuscans?
A. Sassicaia is the original Super Tuscan and the only wine with its own DOC (Bolgheri Sassicaia). It emphasizes finesse and terroir over power.
Q. What food pairs best with Sassicaia 2023?
A. Ideal pairings include dry-aged beef, lamb with rosemary, truffle dishes, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Discover our range of Tenuta San Guido wines.
