1982 Sassicaia
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Tasting notes
Happily, the 1982 Sassicaia earns a much higher score compared to when I last reviewed the wine two years ago from what was surely a compromised bottle. This sample sings with energy and harmony. I'm adding it to my list of exciting underdog vintages that deserves a closer look. It is fresh and silky on the palate and leaves long sensation of dried fruit, tobacco, licorice, tar, dried ginger and tangy menthol. The wine shows medium build and what is does not deliver in muscle and concentration, it shows in finesse and delicate softness instead.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Dark ruby with a rusty rim. Lots of iodine and minerals on the nose (reminds me a little of the Spottswoode 1985 I tasted last night but there is no hint of decay). Lots of fresh, composed, confident fruit on the mid palate. And beautifully subtly persistent. Light to medium bodied and lifted with the merest hint of balsamic. Towards the end of a fine life. (JR)
A little dusty note on the nose initially. Glowing ruby. Lively seductive nose. A little lighter than the 1985 but with sweetness and graphite and really lovely stuff. A great rendition of this very special wine. You could still enjoy it if you chose the food wth it carefully. Great vivacity. Bravo! (JR)
Bright ruby and very healthy. Very, very rich and lively. Full and big with lots of brutal tannins. Quite tough tannins even now. Dry year? Not as much fun as 1983. (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.