Bolgheri Royalty: 2018 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia

Tasting Notes
Dark ruby with garnet highlights. Aromas of ripe blackberry, Mediterranean herbs, wet stone, and sweet tobacco. On the palate, it’s all poise: layered blackcurrant, cedar, blood orange zest, and a savory touch of graphite. Finely tuned tannins give structure, while saline minerality and floral lift keep things fresh. Cool-vintage clarity with long, ethereal finish.

Meet the Winemaker
Crafted by Tenuta San Guido—the original Super Tuscan rebels—Sassicaia 2018 was born in a cooler, rainier vintage that required surgical precision in the vineyard. Graziana Grassini, who took over from Giacomo Tachis, delivered a wine that’s all finesse over flash. Think restraint, depth, and longevity.

Wine Specs

• Varietals: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc

• Vintage: 2018

• Region: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, Tuscany, Italy

• Aging: 24 months in French oak barriques (35% new)

• ABV: 14%

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 16–18 °C; decant at least 1 hour

Critic Reviews

• Wine Advocate (Monica Larner): 97 pts — “A wine of harmony, complexity and grace. Black fruit, crushed stone, sweet spice. Extremely elegant.”

• Wine Spectator: 96 pts — “Cassis, iron, wild herbs. Linear and focused. Builds beautifully.”

• James Suckling: 97 pts — “Tight and focused with currant, berry, sage, and lemon rind. Super fine tannins. Long finish.”

• Vinous (Galloni): 97 pts — “Crushed flowers, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and red plum. Polished and vivid.”

• Jancis Robinson MW: 18.5/20 — “Cool, precise, elegant. Will age gracefully.”

Food Pairings

• Grilled duck breast with blackberry jus

• Wild mushroom pappardelle

• Aged Pecorino with honeycomb

Why You Need This Bottle
Sassicaia 2018 is all about balance—not a show pony, but a thoroughbred. It’s the kind of wine that whispers instead of screams, but damn if you don’t listen. Already a modern classic, and only getting better with age.

Stock’s limited. Snag your 2018 Sassicaia now—free shipping included. This is the bottle your future self will thank you for.