2013 sassicaia Sassicaia
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The 2013 Sassicaia is every bit as majestic as I hoped it would be. The 2013 was so impressive from barrel, but in bottle it struck me as a bit dull. This magnum brings back vivid memories of my first tastings. Powerful and vibrant, with present tannins, the 2013 still needs time to be at its best, especially in the big bottle. Brisk acids and soaring aromatics suggest a very bright future ahead. Cold weather during spring set in motion what would turn out to be a late-ripening year. Frost episodes lowered yields but were too early in the season to adversely impact quality. Summer was characterized by mostly moderate temperatures with healthy rains. Cooling evening temperatures during the final phase of ripening were beneficial to the development of color and aromatics. The 2013 remains a somewhat lighter Sassicaia.
Critic scores
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia was one of the stars of this vertical for me and a big surprise. It is just so graceful and harmonious. The aromas and flavors are brighter and in sharper focus and the tannins are even more seamless than before. Carlo Paoli told me that he also loves this vintage - the weather conditions were so good, with no excess of heat or rain. As he says, "Everything was slow, calm and beautiful." The 2013 Sassicaia reflects this ease. The palate has a lovely combination of a velvety texture, with just the right weight, and thrilling acidity. The fine tannins almost disappear on the finish.
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc. Glowing ruby. Very modest, almost inexpressive, nose on this bottle. Quite tight and rigid with firm tannins very much still in evidence. Maybe this just needs time? It’s just a bit brutal at the moment. Lots of framework but not quite enough flesh.
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.