1999 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri 1×1.5L

Robert Parker 88

The ’99 Sassicaia is comparatively simple on the nose and like the 2001, very savoury with touches of mulberry, dark cherries, mint and truffle. One could describe it as ‘light but elegant’. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly coarse tannins, notes of dried herbs: thyme and rosemary, a niggling hardness towards the angular finish. This is quite Medocian in style, but it lacks the complexity and depth of flavour of the 1998. Tasted February 2010. [Neal Martin, 02/01/2010]

Vinous 91

Saturated dark ruby. Sultry aroma of crushed blackberry complicated by a whiff of cinnamon. Layers of earthy, mouthfilling blackberry flavor are supported by gauzy tannins and a welcome core of acidity, followed by white pepper and graphite on the pliant finish. Supple and elegant. [Edward Beltrami, 01/07/2003]