We are delighted to introduce the new 2014 release of Sassicaia, the most iconic of all the ‘Super Tuscan’ wines.
Much has been documented about the climatic challenges that 2014 presented to every producer across Tuscany; rain and cool temperatures all played their part at various times throughout the season. 2014 therefore had to be about the skill and dedication of the winemaker in the vineyard, how they would allow the grapes to achieve full ripeness, and crucially decide when they were picked. Challenges such as these and how they are met are what separates great from just good producers. At Tenuta San Guido, their detailed understanding of their terroir has allowed them to excel themselves in 2014. They rode out the cool conditions and then took the bold decision to pick as late as possible so that when the grapes arrived at the sorting table they were in outstanding condition; something that was virtually inconceivable only a few months earlier.
We tasted the 2014s at the winery in September last year and any initial fears surrounding the vintage were dispelled immediately. The purity, definition and quality of fruit that is the hallmark of any great Sassicaia is quite astonishing in 2014 and subsequent visits by other members of our team confirmed that with additional time in the bottle, this is a wine that will outclass its peers and provide much enjoyment.
What we particularly love about Sassicaia 2014 is that its supple more rounded style, in contrast to 2013, will allow it be approachable relatively early. However with 5-8 years in the bottle it will develop further into a sensational wine and one that will sit alongside many of this great winery’s previous successes. It’s a Sassicaia that you will want to drink and enjoy over the next decade.
“2014 Sassicaia… has fleshed out and has reached an impressive level of integration and harmony, despite initial fears… the wine in barrel now defeats the odds with an inspiring level of coherence.” Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“Sassicaia seems to be on a roll at the moment.” James Suckling
“Sassicaia is a wine of many milestones. Its status is legendary.” Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
As always we expect demand to be extremely high so please let us know asap if we should reserve you a case or two.
Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido 2014
£545.00 per 6 bottles IB
£545.00 per 12 halves IB (very limited)
“Tasted from barrel, the 2014 Bolgheri Sassicaia is shaping up very nicely since I tasted it last year. In fact, it has made reassuring gains in terms of color density, aromatic definition and specifically textural richness. This wine will be released in 2017, but is scheduled to be bottled in November of this year (instead of January 2017) in order to allow it more time to flesh out and integrate in glass. The bouquet shows slightly rustic tones of tilled earth and spice that come on the heels of blackberry and dried cherry. The 2014 vintage is characterized by a late growing cycle. The last day of harvest was October 31. Despite the vintage challenges, primary fermentation and malolactic fermentation were executed without a hitch.” 92-94 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, July 2016
“I preview tasted 2014 last year and am pleased to report that the wine has come a very long way over the course of the past 12 months. It has fleshed out and has reached an impressive level of integration and harmony, despite initial fears. The 2014 vintage was challenging due to the cooler and humid nature of the growing season, but the wine in barrel now defeats the odds with an inspiring level of coherence.” Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, June 2015
“Extremely aromatic with black currant, strawberry and cherry. Some rosemary. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. Bright acidity. It came from all the hillside vineyards. This shows lovely potential and balance. Delicate and fine. Much better than anticipated considering the cool and wet growing season in Tuscany.” 92-93 points, James Suckling, November 2016
