Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese, 2021

Le Difese 2021 is a blend of 55% Sangiovese and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, previously used for both Sassicaia and Guidalberto. It`s a wine that is distinguished by generous fruit, lively freshness and joyous drinkability... the most enjoyable and approachable wine from the estate, and furthermore, a great introduction to the world of Italian Fine Wine from one of the very best in the business!

Bright, charming aromas of Morello cherry, red plum and blackcurrant fuse with lifted Mediterranean herbs and sweet Asian spice. Medium-bodied with ripe, silky tannins that fill the palate and envelop a further core of hedgerow fruit with added black pepper spice. Pure, precise and extremely enjoyable. Drink 2023-2028. Andrew Ray (Tasted at the Sassicaia 2020 release in London - February 2023)

The 2021 Le Difese is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium in body yet nicely layered, the 2021 is impeccably balanced. It is also a sheer delight to taste at this early stage. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a nervy feeling of classicism that is hugely appealing. It`s one of my favourite recent vintages. As it has been for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from several properties in Chianti Classico, with the energy of Sangiovese very much driving the feel in this vintage. Drink 2023-2031. 91/100 points. Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

Pretty and restrain nose, very floral and spicy, with some precise and focus notes of violet and sweet spice. The palate is delicate and elegant, as is the tannic structure. The freshness is vibrant and pure, and give a lifted and ethereal character to the balance. Overall, a young and attractive Le Difese, very pure and promising, and certainly one of the most accomplished of the last few vintages. Drink from 2023-2027. Nicolas Clerc MS