2021 Guidalberto

Displaying a deep, nearly opaque purple color, the 2021 Guidalberto is fleshy, seductive, and impressively aromatic at this youthful stage, with a floral perfume of crushed violets, boysenberry, and graphite. Composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, it’s one of the most expressive releases of this wine I’ve tasted. Full-bodied, with a bright lift of acidity, it has ripe, tight-grained tannins and a well-coiled structure. As it opens in the glass, it starts to reveal more earth notes with turned soil. It’s a shame to open this wine early, as it offers very impressive structure and will really start to show at its best 2-3 years after its release. The 21st release of this cuvée (the first vintage was in 2000), 2021 was a fantastic vintage for the region and this wine. Drink 2025-2040. Home of the historic first vines planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1944, the first commercial release for Sassicaia was produced in 1968. The only monopole DOC, Bolgheri Sassicaia was established in 1994 and spans the 67 plots identified by Mario Incisa della Roccheta. In addition to vines, there is an emphasis on biodiversity and a dedication to preserving the land and habitat of the region. For example, they have 650 hectares devoted to a bird sanctuary established in 1959, which is the first World Wildlife Fund natural reserve in Italy. They also cultivate cereal grains, legumes, and flowers. With their property spanning from sea level to the now second highest vineyards of the region (exceeded only by a vineyard owned by Giorgio Melletti Cavallari), they have the full spectrum of soils and elevations the region has to offer. I tasted the wines for this report at the estate with Carlo Paoli, the estate’s General Manager and Production Manager.

Concentrated and dense, with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry and black currant, this red also reveals black olive and iron accents. The tannins clamp down for now, yet this is balanced overall, with everything well-proportioned. Long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2038. 35,400 cases made.

The 2021 Guidalberto, San Guido's blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is soft, succulent and alluring right out of the gate. The supple contours of Merlot lend fleshiness to this mid-weight, racy Maremma blend. Ripe red cherry fruit, spice, leather and tobacco are nicely pushed forward. Best of all, the 2021 will drink well right out of the gate.