2020 Guidalberto

The 2020 Guidalberto is a gorgeous, classy wine. Less opulent than it can be, the 2020 impresses with its energy and drive. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, rose petal, cedar and pipe tobacco all take shape in this super-attractive, mid-weight offering from Tenuta San Guido. There's a bit more Merlot in the 2020, but Guidalberto is increasingly made from lots that don't make it into Sassicaia, which explains the style of recent vintages. This is a terrific showing, especially considering the recent bottling. It's a fine relative value in Bolgheri's high-rent district. (Originally Published in March 2022)

Full bottle just 1,261 g. Blend of equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. TA 5.85 g/l, pH 3.50. Vines at between 100 and 300 m. 2020 was a hot year. Spontaneous fermentation and malolactic conversion. Aged in barriques for 15 months, mainly French with 20% American oak. 45% new wood, 30% second use and 25% in equal shares of third and fourth use. Subsequent ageing of three months in bottle before release. Deep, lustrous crimson but with no blueish tints. Very heady, voluptuous nose but not at all sweet. In fact it finishes dry with an attractive balsamic note. Excellent balance and sappy structure – very much a food wine. Too dry for a Manhattan cocktail bar! Good, serious wine that is usefully well advanced. Medium persistence. (JR)

Nice freshness on the palate with plums and berries and citrusy acidity. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a powdery texture. Hints of mushrooms. You can enjoy this young, but it will age nicely, too. Drink or hold.