2008 Sassicaia Edizione Speciale
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Sassicaia is a gorgeous wine in this flight, as it shows a more delicate, gracious side of Sassicaia that is so compelling. Silky tannins caress the palate as hints of dark fruit, lavender, blood orange, mocha, dried herbs and crushed flowers open effortlessly. The 2008 is drinking so well today. It won't last forever, but it is quite captivating right now. Winter was warm and dry. A cold snap in March delayed budbreak by about three weeks. Early spring saw warm and dry conditions, but the weather around flowering was less favorable. Cold weather and rain led to uneven flowering and a reduction in the potential crop of about 20%. Cool temperatures also characterized the final phase of ripening, yielding a Sassicaia that is more about finesse than power.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Bolgheri Sassicaia is a wine without a winemaker. The last vintage made by Giacomo Tachis was 2007 and incoming enologist Graziana Grassini claims 2009 as her first vintage. Within the context of this retrospective, the 2008 vintage opens a new chapter, because it is the first wine to show evident tertiary definition and complexity. In fact, the wine performs beautifully with an exalted performance and ethereal aromas. They include cassis, wild berry, crushed mineral, licorice, petrol and grilled herb. This wine is really coming together now and is entering a very exciting moment in its drinking life. It boasts finesse, elegance and grace. Yet, it also shows unmistakable richness and structure that gives the wine an enormous presence in terms of mouthfeel. This was one of the top highlights of the retrospective.
This is the best young Sassicaia in years. It's the new 1988, which was great, and sometimes better than the legendary 1985. What incredible aromas here with blueberries, spices, licorice, plums. Graphite too. Subtle and complex. Full and silky with a beautiful texture of fine tannins and an ultra-fine finish. So beautiful now but will be much better in 2015. Owner Niccolo Incisa della Rocchetta says that Sassicaia is always great in years that end with eight: 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988, 1998, and 2008.
Bright crimson. Relaxed again! Complete. Lift on the finish. Dry end. (JR)
About the producer
Tentuta San Guido produces Sassicaia – Italy’s most famous wine. An icon from the Bolgheri coastline of Tuscany, made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, its rise to prominence in the late 1970s sparked the Super Tuscan revolution.