Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2011

Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "Where the 2010 was sharp, linear, sometimes lean and woven over more piquant and vivid grassy sensations than usual, the 2011 is more typically Bolgherese in character. In short, a classic Sassicaia: mature on both nose and palate, with sensations of blackcurrants and bay leaves, and wonderful spice. T?his is an impressive year, beautifully Mediterranean and expressive. (2015)"

96 points Falstaff Guide: "Rich, almost impenetrable ruby-violet. Compact, at the beginning also somewhat restrained nose, shows opening notes of cassis, pickled cherries, in the background a touch of leather, also fine spices. Juicy, currants and cranberries, dense, polished tannin, builds on the palate, very juicy, long finish. (2/14/19)"

95 points Susan Hulme (The Wine Independent): "The 2011 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia starts off a little restrained, with smoky, spice aromas and pressed flower notes but after an hour or so it opens up with ripe blackberry and bramble fruit. The tannins are a little bit more noticeable on the finish, but there is a wonderful, super luxurious texture with that signature crisp, balancing acidity and an aristocratic ease and weightlessness feeling on the palate. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2022-2034. (12/1/22)"

95 points Susan Hulme, MW ( Decanter): "The 2011 Sassicaia comes from a vintage with a cold winter, a mild spring with abundant rains and a very good difference in temperatures between night and day during the summer and there were sunny days during the harvest. You can feel this sunny bright personality in the wine. The nose is open and accessible with aromas of bright red fruit and cream. On the palate there are contrasting flavours which are a little green and firm but these are enveloped in a luxurious texture and weight. Drinking Window: 2022-2034. (11/5/22)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors pick up rosemary, mineral and spice accents in this red, which is concentrated and intense, fresh and focused. Racy midpalate, this leans toward black currant and cedar notes on the solid finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2017 through 2030. (10/31/14)"

94+ points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Bolgheri Sassicaia speaks to a broad, yet very distinct audience. I am absolutely charmed by this vintage. Soft cherry and blackberry confit emerge from the bouquet in thick, luscious waves. Leather, spice and tar play supporting roles. The wine offers a generous and expansive style. It also shows impressive balance and coherent inner integrity. This vintage certainly bears the hallmarks of a hot vintage, but it never feels overdone. It delivers volume, intensity and rich texture. This Sassicaia is a wine of enormous craftsmanship. Drink: 2017-2035. (Apr 2017)"

94 points James Suckling: "Wonderful aromas of freshly sliced coastal rosemary and currants follow through to a full body, with integrated tannins and a fine finish. This shows so much finesse and beauty. But there is a solid backbone of tannins and length. Reminds me of some of the underrated Sass of the 1980s such as 1982, 1983 or 1987. Try after 2018. (5/8/14)"

94 points Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast): "Aromas suggest blackberry, cedar and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, notes of tobacco, licorice, exotic spice and cranberry accent the juicy black-cherry core. It's well balanced and elegant, with silky tannins. Drink 2016–2026. Alcohol 13.5%. (May 2015)"