1988 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Bottle (750ml)

LP99 "The 1988 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia has a dark garnet color and a wider rim than the 1985 but the color is brighter and more youthful. The nose is closed and understated at first, but it opens up with gentle smoke and hints of violet and roses. It reminds me of smoky bonfires in the distant countryside with a hint of autumn leaves on its breath as well as summer flowers. There’s even more substance in the middle of 1988 than the 1985 but the wine is very balanced, classy, and controlled, and there is a vibrant acidity at the core of this wine which lingers to the finish. This is a super-harmonious wine with sublime finesse and understatement. It is just beautiful! Both the 1985 and the 1988 are exceptionally beautiful wines but the 1988 was the preferred style of Giacomo Tachis and the Incisa della Rocchetta family. This one is drinking beautifully now but it shows no signs of getting old." SH for TWI Dec 2022

WS97 "The brute power of the '88 brings to mind Château Latour in top vintages. Full-bodied, it's firm and rock-solid yet tastes very silky thanks to sensational concentration of fruit. Loads of minerally, peppery character and blackberry and red berry flavors. Supercharged, intense, long finish.--Sassicaia vertical." WS Jul 1996

JA96 "Jewel-red, waves of cured leather, olive paste, undergrowth, rich peaty aromatics, coffee grounds, cedar, this has campfire smoke and crushed rose petals set against luscious grilled red cherry fruits, laced with fennel and a softly enticing tannic architecture that is lace-fine. Seems almost younger than the last time I tasted it in Rome way back in 2016. Today it is impossible to put down, with a freshness and upward lift that stretches out through the palate, carrying you with it, still very much full of life. 40% new oak for ageing, Giacomo Tachis winemaker." JA for IB Sept 2024

VM96 "The 1988 Sassicaia is a vintage that I have not tasted for many moons. It is sublime, albeit not one for those seeking the horsepower of the 1985. Showing little maturity in color, it has a divine bouquet, classically styled, almost Médoc-like with dark berry fruit, wild strawberry, cedar and a splash of espresso. Say 90% Bordeaux and 10% Tuscany? The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, beautifully balanced and fairly understated in style, restrained even. Yet it conveys unerring weightlessness in the mouth allied with a sense of composure and stylishness. Very Bordeaux-inspired on the finish, this sublime Sassicaia is drinking perfectly now." NM for VM May 2023