Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2005

Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "The fact that Sassicaia '05 is an extraordinary wine will surprise no one. It is every year, in one way or another. However, considering the overall release of 2005 vintages, the result was far from certain. Our tastings of the wines from Bolgheri revealed that high quality was not widespread, particularly when compared to '04. That does not hold true, though, for the Bolgheri Sassic aia, since it shows refined, elegant and spacious, with tannins that are fine-grained and indeed velvety. The nervy vein of acidity is such as to make this wine well nigh immortal. The '04 version may have bewitched some into considering the '05 a lesser offering but we beg to differ, since we believe that in 20 years or so the '05, utterly unscathed by time, will still be at its stellar peak. (2009)"

96 points Susan Hulme, MW (Decanter): "The 2005 vintage was very similar to the 1999 in that it was quite hot, but by 2005 there was a larger surface area of vineyard from which to source grapes. The more recently planted vineyards had come of age, much more so than they had in 1999. The production was not high, and some berries were not perfectly ripe with little green elements, but this gave the Sassicaia team more acidity and brightness. 2005 did not have a great reputation when released because 2004 was a great year and then everyone was excited and waiting to see 2006 and 2007. 'Today 2005 is one of the most requested vintages,' says General Manager Carlo Paoli, 'it’s a good compromise between freshness and concentration.' On the nose it is a little more fragrant with open, sunny, brighter more transparent aromas. On the palate there is an edgy nervosity and tangy, juicy acidity, which I love, together with dry, clipped tannins. The wine still feels energetic and young. Drinking Window: 2022-2035. (Nov 2022)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$220 list] Dark ruby in color, showing aromas of currant, new oak and fresh herbs, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with very chewy tannins and an outstanding concentration of fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Needs plenty of bottle age. Best after 2012. (10/31/08)"

93 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The 2005 Bolgheri Sassicaia is more of an extrovert and a fast-burner. It is a reflection of a warm vintage and a more pronounced stylistic signature in terms of its winemaking approach. The effect is very beautiful, indeed, with dried cherry, plum, spice, tobacco and grilled herb. Yet, the overall messaging is focused on power and volume. The background music is hard to hear. Despite its opulence, there's less dimension to behold. Brawn trumps finesse and dark fruit covers the ethereal aromas. It is well built, however, and should hold steady for the next ten years, if not more. Drink: 2017-2028. (Apr 2017)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2005 Sassicaia is in a gorgeous spot right now. A super-classic Cabernet Sauvignon bouquet reveals striking nuance as layers of dark fruit begin to unfold on the palate. Smoke, game, licorice, tobacco and menthol add the final shades of nuance. The 2005 doesn't appear to be built for the long haul, but it is very beautiful, complete and rewarding today. Drink: 2015-2025. (Dec 2015)"

'5-Star Super Tuscans', Quarterly Review of Wines: "85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Deep color; deep, rich, chewy, black fruit, mineral, toasted nut and French roast flavors -- a bold beauty. (Spring 2009)"

Robb Report: "The 2005 vintage of this prototypical Super Tuscan is a velvety melding of blackberry, chocolate cream, and currant. Secondary flavors of mesquite smoke, sweet oregano, and earth precede a gentle finish. (10/1/09)"