2021 Sassicaia Bolgheri DOC

Vinous 98+

The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the great modern-day Sassicaias. Powerful and imposing in its first impression, the 2021 makes it clear from the outset that it’s a long-distance runner. A rush of dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, dried flowers, graphite, mint and sage all build into an utterly captivating crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. The growing season was characterized by cool and wet conditions that began during the 2020/2021 Winter and then carried into spring. Conditions were varied throughout spring, with episodes of both rain and heat. Temperatures were warmer than usual at the beginning of summer, then moderated during August. At harvest, grapes were especially concentrated. That allowed for long macerations, as long as 20 days for some Cabernets. Aging was 25 months in French oak barrels (95% French, 5% a mix of Hungarian and Slavonian wood), 40% new, 40% once-used barrels and 20% twice-used barrels. One of the recent developments here is some bâtonnage in aging, which is used to build texture. The 2021 is quite simply dazzling. [Antonio Galloni, 31/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2031-2051