Tenuta San Guido, Guidalberto, 2021

Current owner, Priscilla Incisa della Rochetta has noted that 2021 was a very positive vintage, in some ways even superior to 2019, which the press and consumers consecrated as a vintage destined for a long and glorious journey. Furthermore, the most important characteristic of Guidalberto 2021 is a return to the estate`s traditional blend with a prevalence of Cabernet Sauvignon, over Merlot. Guidalberto is viewed as Sassicaia`s `little sibling`, and we feel it offers great value for money and a superb insight into this iconic estate. It is, without a doubt, a must buy for any discerning Italian Fine Wine lover!

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this opens with aromas recalling Mediterranean scrub, blue flower, wild herb and dark-skinned berry. The palate is still young and primary, featuring black cherry, cassis, licorice, cedar and menthol notes alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Although the summer was hot and extremely dry, abundant rain in the winter provided ample water reserves in the soils, and the 2021 boasts surprising freshness as well as the estate’s hallmark elegance. Over the last few vintages, Guidalberto has blossomed into a distinct wine in its own right, with its own personality and expression of Bolgheri. It’s a far cry from being merely Sassicaia’s younger sibling and the 2021 drives the point home. It needs a few more years to fully develop and will age graciously. 94/100 points. Kerin O`Keefe

According to Tenuta San Guido’s director of winemaking, Carlo Paoli, the 2021 is the best Guidalberto he has ever made. The percentage of Merlot was reduced back to the typical 40% this year because the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon was so good. The 2021 Guidalberto is very deeply coloured, almost black with a narrow purple rim. It took an hour or so to really open up, but when it did, it had a wonderful range of aromas and flavours. Cassis and blueberry, blue flowers, and violet and iris notes are followed by a palate full of perfectly ripe blackberries and blueberries wrapped in gentle, cream flavours. This is a wine of velvety richness balanced by vivid acidity, with very pure, focused flavours and aromas. Delightful! 95/100 points. Susan Hulme MW (Decanter)

A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the Tenuta San Guido 2021 Guidalberto shows tart cherry fruit with darker tones of blackberry and plum. This vintage delivers especially chiseled and focused fruit characteristics that are elegantly framed by light spice, cola and earth. This vintage shows a heightened sense of intensity and territorial identity that is the hallmark of this storied estate. 94/100 points. Monica Larner (Wine Advocate)