Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2004 1.5L

Three Glasses Gambero Rosso: "The '04 release of Bolgheri Sassicaia is quite simply majestic, one of the best ever. This surprises no-one, of course. We're talking about one of Italy's greatest wines here, and a vintage which has given superb results, especially in the coastal areas. Even so, it's difficult not to get excited when faced with such stylistic precision, such character, such personality. The nose has intense red berry fruits followed by damp earth, leather, sandalwood and even dried flowers. The palate is overwhelming, so perfect is the relationship between the beautifully defined tannin and the taut, vibrant acidity. The finish simply never ends. This magnificent bottle will give great pleasure if drunk now, and will continue to do so for who knows how many more years. (2008)"

'Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2008' and 97 points Wine Enthusiast: "The best Sassicaia of the last 10 years, the 2004 vintage is an outstanding achievement. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc highlight the beauty of Tuscany and portray the region in terms of thick chocolate fudge, succulent cherry and currant, exotic spice and vanilla seed. Beyond those big aromas are little teasers: blue flowers, Mediterranean herbs, cola and light mineral shadings. It’s lush and full in the mouth and will hold 20 or 30 years. (3/31/08)"

96 points Ian D'Agata (Vinous): "Deep ruby. Absolutely ethereal nose offers intense yet refined aromas of ripe red cherry, smoke, leather and black truffle, with a pretty mineral element nuance and clarity. Velvety-smooth, ripe and rich on entry, then awash with mid-palate flavors of red cherry, smoky red plum, cassis, spices, bay leaf, roasted coffee bean and dark chocolate. Bright acids and silky-smooth tannins give this extraordinary wine extra lift and precision. Compared to recent vintages, this is a far richer and plumper yet extremely refined version of Sassicaia at a similar stage of its development. The finish goes on for minutes, highlighted by an enchanting mineral quality. The best young Sassicaia in years. (Aug 2007)"

18.5/20 points (95), Decanter: "Huge richness, power, depth and warmth: very famous Sass, but a touch of alcoholic warmth. I prefer the 2001. Drink: 2013-2045. Alcohol 13.5%. (May 2013)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Shows aromas of chocolate, currant and blackberry, with a hint of Spanish cedar. Full-bodied, with firm, velvety tannins and a long finish. Racy and very well-structured. Builds on the palate. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2012. (10/31/07)"

94 points James Suckling: "A wine with beautiful aromas of currants and light chocolate with hints of sweet tobacco. It's full-bodied and very refined with integrated tannins. It still needs time to give its full potential, but it's a beautiful wine with excellent length and class. Drink or hold. (6/7/13)"

18/20 points Neal Martin (The World of Fine Wine): "The 2004 has a ripe, quite rich and rounded plum, blackberry, licorice-tinged bouquet, with a little dark chocolate and espresso and superb precision. The palate is full-bodied, rounded, and supple on entry, with notes of blackberry, dark chocolate, a touch of spice, and leather. Very smooth and lithe toward the sensuous, harmonious finish. The '04 is elegant and suave but deserves another 5-8 years in the cellar. (Issue #30; 2010)"