2008 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Magnum (1.5L)

JA98 "Dense, intense chocolate and damson colour. On the nose things are still very closed despite its age. Although the palate is heading to the splitting point where the tertiary aromatics and flavours are making their appearance, though they’re held back by the primary vibrant blackberry fruits and a seam of Sassicaia freshness, with a bite of liquorice root. After a moment in the glass, the nose starts to open. Undergrowth notes are most clear at first, followed by black truffles. This is slowly opening up, taking time and patience. A clearly great vintage, and one that has many years ahead of it." JA for DR Oct 2016

RP97 "The 2008 Bolgheri Sassicaia is a wine without a winemaker. The last vintage made by Giacomo Tachis was 2007 and incoming enologist Graziana Grassini claims 2009 as her first vintage. Within the context of this retrospective, the 2008 vintage opens a new chapter, because it is the first wine to show evident tertiary definition and complexity. In fact, the wine performs beautifully with an exalted performance and ethereal aromas. They include cassis, wild berry, crushed mineral, licorice, petrol and grilled herb. This wine is really coming together now and is entering a very exciting moment in its drinking life. It boasts finesse, elegance and grace. Yet, it also shows unmistakable richness and structure that gives the wine an enormous presence in terms of mouthfeel. This was one of the top highlights of the retrospective." ML for TWA Apr 2017

LP97 "For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement." SH for TWI Dec 2022

JS97 "This is the best young Sassicaia in years. It's the new 1988, which was great, and sometimes better than the legendary 1985. What incredible aromas here with blueberries, spices, licorice, plums. Graphite too. Subtle and complex. Full and silky with a beautiful texture of fine tannins and an ultra-fine finish. So beautiful now but will be much better in 2015. Owner Niccolo Incisa della Rocchetta says that Sassicaia is always great in years that end with eight: 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988, 1998, and 2008." JS Jun 2016