2011 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia [WA94] [WS95] [WE94]

Producer: Tenuta San Guido 
Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy 
Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc 
Year: 2011 

96 points Int'l Wine Review

The 2011 Sassicaia is an absolutely sensational release in this vintage, as it displays stunning elegance and class, yet with plenty of muscle as well. It immediately begins to impress as it opens with seductive aromas of freshly crushed blackberries and currants followed by toast, roasted coffee, graphite and minerals, which all come together beautifully in the glass. This possesses a gorgeous fine, velvety texture and shows remarkable balance and finesse as it finishes up long, silky and caressing, leaving behind notes of pure dark fruits. (JD)  (5/2014)

95 points 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. (SH)  (11/2022)

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. *Collectible* (BS)  (10/2014)

94 points James Suckling

Dark chocolate and supple red berry fruits on the nose with plenty of raspberry and cassis. The palate’s quite fine, juicy and lithe with good balance, good drive and great depth. Toasty oak builds through the finish, showing a strong earthy thread and a core of crisp tannin. (NS)  (1/2015)

94 points 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. (ML) 94+  (4/2017)

94 points 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. (KO)  (5/2015)

93 points Vinous

Full saturated ruby. Very pure, floral aromas of red cherry, blackberry, cassis, minerals and minty herbs. Juicy, sweetly spicy and multilayered, with strong but well-integrated acidity giving the wine lovely early balance and intensifying its dark fruit flavors. Broadens out impressively on the back half without losing its shape. This silky, very graceful Sassicaia might not be as long-lived as the most famous vintages of the past but is irresistible owing to its impeccable balance. “Lovely” is the word that dominated my tasting note. (ID)  (12/2014)

93 points Wine & Spirits

Delicate floral aromas lead into sappy red and black cherry fruit flavors, with notes of caramelized orange, dark chocolate and red licorice around the edges. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 15 percent Cabernet Franc, left for two years in French oak barriques, it’s polished and elegant, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins that promise this will age well.  (4/2015)

Jancis Robinson

Mid glowing ruby. Complex, subtle nose. Really juicy and appetising – and still quite youthful! This one will run and run and at the moment is just coming out of its shell – with the odd iodine note. 18.5/20 points (JR)  (9/2022)