Sassicaia 2020 Is Here!
Galloni’s Highest Rating 

Antonio Galloni is perhaps Sassicaia's most reserved critic. 

This is not a negative. This is not stirring the pot or painting anyone in a bad light. We are just pointing out that if you have followed Antonio Galloni over the years from the Wine Advocate and now Vinous, that Antonio compared to his peers has consistently been on the more conservative side with his scores and reviews when it comes to Sassicaia. 

In fact, we feel that Antonio is one of the greatest champions of this legendary wine and a voice that has given many estates in Bolgheri feedback that has helped them over the years. 

The 2020 Sassicaia is the newest release that arrived over the summer. This is a vintage that has already created a bunch of chatter. Early indications and norms pointed to a vintage that was good but not great. However, Sassicaia 2020 with its higher elevation vineyards and cooler sites has exceeded expectations and captured all of us professionals off guard. This is a truly a unique Sassicaia, an expression that we have not really tasted before but one that stands with the great wines of the past twenty years. 

The Vinous review from Antonio Galloni places the wine amongst his highest rated vintages at 97 points. Tying 2020 with 2018, 2016, and 2006, three tremendous vintages for Sassicaia. Now yes, some of you are saying well what about 1985? Yes that is the only vintage that Antonio has ever bestowed a 100 point score to for Sassicaia but that was not on release and let’s be frank, 1985 is a mythical wine. The truth is for the last twenty years Antonio has never ranked a new release Sassicaia higher than 97 except for these four vintages. 

2020 Sassicaia is a wine that will attract and draw in new fans of this iconic wine. A vintage that holds the longevity curve of all the great vintages but the immediate enjoyment factor much like 2016. 

The team behind Sassicaia have achieved something special with the 2020 Vintage and longtime fans of the wine are going to be in for some very exciting experiences. 

For those looking for the "Monday night Sassicaia", do not overlook Guidalberto.  The other Cabernet blend from Tenuta San Guido has been tremendous the last few vintages and the 2021 release is one of the finest releases to date.  Guidalberto is based on a set of vineyards on the property that are different from Sassicaia and is made in its own facility separate from Sassicaia.  The divide has only increased the quality in both wines as we have seen in recent years.  2021 Guidalberto delivers a quality of Bolgheri Cabernet and Merlot that will hold in the cellar with ease, yet allows you an early insight into the quality this leading estate consistently achieves.

Cheers,
Jeremy