We are thrilled to offer a fabulous mini–vertical of Italy’s most famous wine, the mighty Super-Tuscan of Sassicaia. Spanning the vintages of 2017 to 2020 and with scores of up to a perfect 100 pints from the critics, these magnums provide a fantastic insight into this fine wine icon.

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.

As the notes and notes from the critics show, Sassicaia has been on a terrific run-of-form in recent years and so is a superb thing to own in these magnums. Do take a look and let us know if you would like to secure any of these lovely big bottles.

The 2017 Sassicaia shows the natural richness and intensity of the year while retaining its mid-weight sense of balance and overall poise. A burst of super-ripe red cherry/plum fruit makes a strong opening statement. Mocha, cinnamon, leather and dried herbs appear later, adding aromatic lift. The 2017 is a fairly immediate Sassicaia. Even so, it has enough energy to drink well for a number of years. Production is down 35%, a combination of naturally low yields, dehydration on the vine and then selection in the cellar. Most of the fruit comes from the estate’ hillside vineyards, older parcels that resisted the conditions better. (2020) www.vinous.com Drink 2022-2037

This is a classic vintage of an Italian icon now celebrating its 50th vintage. The Tenuta San Guido 2018 Bolgheri Sassicaia lays out a familiar blueprint that borrows from the proven track record of this landmark estate that extends into the hills just beyond the Tyrrhenian shores of Tuscany. This vintage is crystalline and pure in its delivery, and if you are familiar with previous editions, it is impossible to mistake this wine for anything but Sassicaia. (2021) www.robertparker.com Drink 2024-2045

This 2019 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is really very special. A subtle change has occurred and the typically aristocratic and elegant finesse of Sassicaia now has a little more joie de vivre. It is intense and deeply concentrated without being heavy and with very fine, beautifully integrated tannins that harmonize with the body of the wine. Carlo Paoli, MD and head of winemaking, views 2019 as “one of the great vintages of the last decades. Although it was not generous in quantity (about 15% less than in 2016), for the quality of the grapes… it is to be considered exceptional.” The winemaking team are at their peak in terms of understanding and managing the vineyards and the more extreme vintage variations they face due to climate change. There were 280,000 bottles made this year but in response to climate change, Paoli plans to reduce the quantity. The 2019 reminds me a lot of the sublime 2016 but somehow it is bolder with even more energy, vivacity, and exuberance. Drink from 2024-2050. (2022) www.janeanson.com

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

Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in the UK in around 4 weeks. Offer expires 1st February 2024.