Sassicaia 2012 & 2013

A pair of high class vintages from the aristocrat of Tuscan wine, each with a minimum of a decade’s age on the clock

Sassicaia is the true thoroughbred of Tuscany’s Bordeaux blends.  Bolgheri’s coastal climate shapes a Cabernet-based wine of purity and poise but which also bears a clear imprint of its origins: Sassicaia may be a Bordeaux blend but it speaks with an Italian accent.

One of Italy’s undisputed 1st growths, Sassicaia performs at 1er Cru level in tastings yet, compared to its Gallic peers, continues to over-deliver on its 2eme Cru price point.

When one of our long-standing collectors recently opened the door of his over-flowing cellar to us we jumped on the Sassicaia, as a rare opportunity to acquire older vintages in some volume.  Both vintages are approaching maturity, were purchased on release – largely from Vinum – and have been professionally stored in the UK.  We have just shipped these parcels from the optimum conditions of Octavian.  They are immediately available in Singapore.
 

• 2012 is a slightly more forward vintage, harmonious and delicate in profile.
• 2013 is one of the top years of the 21st century thus far.

It is probably the nature of the beast that most Sassicaia is drunk a bit too young, before it has had a chance to fulfil its considerable potential.  This makes us even more excited to present these older vintages, boasting perfect provenance and on the cusp of peak drinking.

The Offer:
Offered subject to remaining unsold.  Immediately available from our Singapore cellars.

Sassicaia 2012

10 cases (1×6) OWC available @ $2,400 per case (inc GST $2,592)

The 2012 Sassicaia is dark and immediate, with gorgeous up-front richness, density and power. Black cherry jam, cloves and new leather are some of the many signatures that take shape in the glass. The 2012 is an unusually deep, concentrated Sassicaia that is going to need time in bottle to develop the full breadth of its aromas and flavors. Today, it is a bit monolithic, so readers need to be patient.

94+/100 – Antonio Galloni / vinous.com

Tenuta San Guido’s newest release is the 2012 Bolgheri Sassicaia. This was a warm vintage, especially during summer months that saw hot winds and little rain. Thankfully, winter months delivered ample precipitation. Vines had good access to moisture underground. Production of the lower-tier wines was reduced: Le Difese was cut by 40% and Guidalberto by 30%. But Sassicaia’s production numbers remained stable at 200,000 bottles because all the estate’s best fruit was directed toward this product. Fruit was harvested a bit early to avoid problems with over ripeness. The wine presents a soft, velvety mouthfeel with plump cherry, fruity berry, blue flower and spice. Perhaps it shows more simplicity overall, but it does so with an impressive sense of harmony and confidence. This is not one of the great vintages of Sassicaia, but the wine flaunts its considerable pedigree nonetheless. It should age gracefully for twenty years or more.

93/100 – Monica Larner / robertparker.com

Lots of lavender, minerals and black currants on the nose. Turns to blackberries. Full body, ultra-refined tannins and an exquisite finish. This is all about delicacy, finesse and grace. Yet there is a solid core of ripe tannins giving it backbone and outstanding form. Just opening now. Very pretty.

95/100 – James Suckling / jamessuckling.com

Sassicaia 2013

10 cases (1×6) OWC available @ $2,400 per case (inc GST $2,592)

The 2013 Sassicaia is a wine of grace and understatement. Silky, perfumed and medium in body, the 2013 is one of the most delicate young Sassicaias I can remember tasting. At times, the 2013 does not taste much like a wine from Bolgheri at all. That is not positive nor negative, but simply an observation. Scents of lavender, sage and menthol wrap around a core of blue/purplish fruit. There is good definition to the aromatics, but several recent bottles haven’t been as impressive as barrel samples were last year.

92/100 – Antonio Galloni / vinous.com

I had reviewed this wine just a few months prior and my impression has remained pretty much the same. One difference I did notice at this more recent tasting of the 2013 Bolgheri Sassicaia is the bouquet. It has shifted to slightly more delicate and finessed aromas of pressed flower and blue violets. You do of course get that solid core of dark fruit and spice that characterizes this famous Tuscan blend. But that extra time in the bottle has awarded wiggle room for profound precision and focused detailing. The wine’s complexity emerges slowly with subtle notes of savory spice and tobacco. There is power and depth here, especially in terms of the mouthfeel. As the wine evolves in the glass, it begins to show ethereal tones of road paving, tar and licorice. This Sassicaia should go straight into the cellar.

97/100 – Monica Larner / robertparker.com

Fabulous structure for a Sassicaia with powerful, polished, chewy tannins and ripe, subtle fruit. Aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, rosemary and lavender. Full body, bright acidity and a savory finish. Juicy and lively. Better to drink this beginning in 2020 but so impressive now.

98/100 – James Suckling / jamessuckling.com

Terms & Conditions:

Offer ends on Friday 11th August 2023 l No further discount l Immediate payment required l Delivery fees ($32.40) waived for purchases above $500 before GST excluding airports | Cancellation of orders not allowed l Order/s to be collected/delivered within 1 month upon stock availability l Offered Ex-Singapore & subject to remaining unsold