Sassicaia 2023: The Latest Release Of A Tuscan Icon

“Like the legendary 1985, 2023 was a difficult and stressful vintage shaped by a cold winter, yet it stands as proof that great pressure can indeed give birth to diamonds.” – 100 Points Monica Larner

On Friday 6th February 2026, we will see the release of the 2023 vintage of Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, Tuscany. For collectors, drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike, each new release of this Italian legend demands attention as it is not just a wine, it is a benchmark against which other Super-Tuscan blends are judged, and a perennial to any serious fine winecellar.

A Wine of Legendary Status: Sassicaia’s History and Style

Sassicaia’s story is as compelling as the wine itself. Born from the vision of Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, this Bordeaux-inspired red was first planted in 1944 on the stony soils of the Tenuta San Guido estate near the Mediterranean coast. It was initially crafted for personal enjoyment as the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend was unlike anything the Italian wine world had seen, but was commercially released with the 1968 vintage.

Sassicaia quickly distinguished itself in quality and character. Its departure from native Italian varietals, favouring a Cabernet blend akin to the great wines of Bordeaux, placed it at the forefront of what would later be dubbed the “Super-Tuscany” movement. The gravelly, well-drained soils of the vineyards give the wine its distinctive minerality and structure to balance rich fruit and resulting in a wine of balance, class, elegance and refinement.

Sassicaia: An Icon of Italian Fine Wine

Today, Sassicaia’s reputation is truly global. It is not merely one of Italy’s most famous wines; it is one of the most recognised fine wine brands in the world. This stature has been earned both through consistent quality. Further cementing its prestige, the wine was granted a unique denomination, the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, the only single-estate appellation in Italy. This exceptional status reflects not only the wine’s quality but also its role in elevating the Bolgheri region itself from obscurity to fame. Each new release i now a serious event, while past vintages have achieved iconic status, with connoisseurs prizing older vintages not just for comparative rarity, but for the way they reveal the wine’s layered complexity with age.

The 2023 Vintage: Bolgheri’s Climatic Story

Understanding the character of the 2023 vintage is essential for appreciating what Sassicaia might offer on release. Across the Bolgheri appellation, the season was marked by a nuanced interplay of climatic factors. A mild winter with lower rainfall encouraged an early start to the growing cycle, while frequent spring rains replenished soil moisture, allowing healthy canopy growth. The summer proved hot and dry without extreme heat waves, helping maintain balance between ripeness and acidity. Crucially, late-season rains followed by warm, dry September days with cool nights fostered aromatic complexity while preserving freshness in the grapes.

While we are yet to see critics’ scores ahead of release, there are reasons for optimism and a classically structured Sassicaia that will show well young, but still retain the capacity for extended ageing.

The Wine Advocate’s Verdict: A Perfect Sassicaia Vintage

Monica Larner has published her review and she was blown away by what she tasted. She found that “Very few vintages of this legendary Tuscan wine deliver the immediate joy, richness and complexity found in the Tenuta San Guido 2023 Bolgheri Sassicaia”. For her, this is comparable the a legendary Sassicaia of the past, “Like the legendary 1985, 2023 was a difficult and stressful vintage shaped by a cold winter, yet it stands as proof that great pressure can indeed give birth to diamonds.”

What to Expect on Release

As with previous years, the February release will be followed by immediate global demand, a testament to Sassicaia’s collector appeal. To be in with the best chance of receiving an allocation as close to release as possible, please let us know and we will register your interest and get back to you as soon as possible with confirmation on the 6th.