1997 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri 1x750ml

Vinous 95

The 1997 Sassicaia has aged exceptionally well. Creamy, layered and enveloping, the 1997 is so alluring today. The warm, dry year (which would be considered moderate today) yielded a Sassicaia endowed with notable depth, soft curves and tons of pure sensuality. A warm, dry winter and spring led to early budbreak. Temperatures then cooled, which caused ripening to halt. That was probably a blessing in disguise, as it gave the vines time to rest before warm, dry temperatures returned and then persisted through to harvest. Yields were low, something that comes through in the wine’s density. The 1997 spent 16 days on the skins and 24 months in barrel. [Antonio Galloni, 31/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2035

Robert Parker 85

The 1997 vintage was universally hailed as a true breakout year for icon wines from Tuscany. In fact, it spurred a quality revolution for Italian wine in general. Sadly, the 1997 Bolgheri Sassicaia does not live up to the hype. This is an offbeat effort with an intense sense of dryness and dustiness that ultimately diminishes the wine’s pleasure factor. What little fiber there is to grab onto comes as quickly as it leaves. The effect is short and sudden. In all, this wine exhibits an advanced state of evolution. The fruit that may have still existed ten years ago is now replaced by a hollow dry oak tannin instead. [Monica Larner, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2020