2020 Sassicaia, "does seem to have an extra dimension" (Galloni)
We are delighted to offer our cases of bottles alongside some rare large formats of the excellent 2020 vintage of Sassicaia. Rated at 97 points by Antonio Galloni, this is the latest in a long line of superb vintages for Sassicaia and is the sort of wine that you simply cannot own too much of.
An icon of fine wine, Sassicaia needs no introduction and is one of the most recognisable labels on the market for good reason, it is consistently outstanding. First made in 1968, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc has risen to become arguably Italy’s most famous wine, and a must-own for collectors across the globe on release as this has always ensured getting it at the best price.
2020 was a warm vintage for Tuscany, but Sassicaia’s Tenuta San Guido is easily able to cope and, through world-class winemaking allied to draconian selection, crafted a Sassicaia that is an excellent counterpoint to more statuesque and structured vintages. For Antonio Galloni, it is “a bold, rapturous wine” and “does seem to have an extra dimension of textural intensity. It’s an intensity that is hugely appealing”.
Details are below:
The 2020 Sassicaia is a bold, rapturous wine. Dark, fleshy and expansive on the palate, the 2020 offers up scents of blackberry jam, gravel, spice, new leather, licorice and crème de cassis. Potent tannins are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Sassicaia is never a huge wine, the 2020 does seem to have an extra dimension of textural intensity. It’s an intensity that is hugely appealing.
Estate Manager Carlo Paoli describes 2020 as a year with a long, rainy winter and a cold spring. “Temperatures warmed up in the middle of June,” he explained. “July was very hot, but heat moderated in August. Even so, it was a year in which ripeness moved quickly, as opposed to 2021 when ripeness was more gradual. We picked the entire estate in 22 days instead of the 29-30 that is more typical.” The 2020 spent 15-18 days on the skins, followed by 25 months in French oak, 50% new. Production is down about 30% because of selection in the vineyard. (2023) www.vinous.com Drink 2028-2050
