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Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2021 (Magnum)

Iconica — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:47:58 +0000

2021 is an exceptional vintage and has already gained a lot of success from critics. Similar in style to 2019, 2016 & 2011, the vintage conditions were almost perfect and grapes were able to achieve perfect ripeness. Sassicaia’s vineyards at altitude allow the grapes to achieve great freshness and vibrancy. Bright red berry fruits, red cherries and violet hints combine with liquorice, leather and sweeter clove spice. The tannins are tightly wound and firm and need time to resolve but are supported by a generous fruit core. The wine finishes on the savoury and has an incredibly long length.

Soil Type

They show different and composite morphological characteristics, with the presence of calcareous areas rich in marl, as well as stones and stones and partially clayey. The production plants are located at an average altitude between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, with exposure to the West/South-West.

Weather Trends

The 2021 vintage experienced a positive seasonal trend, beginning with a rainy autumn and colder-than-average temperatures. A harsh winter followed, especially in mid-February, when the “Burian” cold front brought freezing nighttime temperatures of -5 to -7°C. April started with spring warmth, but by mid-month, temperatures dropped again, approaching 0°C. This caused bud thinning in early-ripening vines like Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Throughout spring, sunshine alternated with sporadic rain, and cool air kept temperatures below normal.

The plants showed no significant issues, except for a slight vegetative slowdown. Summer temperatures arrived by late May and persisted without rain until mid-July. By mid-August, temperatures normalized and, especially at night, dropped slightly below the seasonal average. The vines weren’t affected by the summer heat, and vegetation development remained steady, with smaller bunches and berries resulting in lower production.

This climate produced a perfect balance between technical and phenolic maturity, with healthy grapes and excellent seed and stem lignification.

Harvest

The harvest was carried out by hand, starting in the first days of September with the youngest and earliest vineyards and continuing with the Cabernet Sauvignons from the lower vineyards, finishing in the first week of October, with those on the hills at around 400 meters above sea level. of the sea (Vigna di Castiglioncello and Vigna del Quercione).

Vinification

Grapes were carefully selected on a sorting table to eliminate impurities and imperfections. They underwent very soft pressing to avoid breaking and delicate destemming to prevent the release of improper tannins. Alcoholic fermentation, using selected yeasts, concluded in the first week of November at controlled temperatures, not exceeding 28-29°C.

Outdoor delestages and pumping over operations helped achieve excellent polyphenol extraction, with a strong aromatic component and fresh musts. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred in steel tanks, ending in early December. By the first week of December 2021, after appropriate must decanting, the wine was placed in oak barriques.

Ageing

At the end of the malolactic fermentation, the wine was placed in barriques using approximately 40% new wood, a further 40% first passage and 20% second passage. For the 2021 vintage, French oak wood was used (Tronçais, Allier and Jupilles in particular) with extra-fine grain, light toasting and long seasoning.

Sassicaia 2021, after 24 months of aging in wood, was decanted into steel tanks before assembly. Subsequent refinement in bottle before marketing.

For more information on the Tenuta San Guido wines click here or visit their website here.

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Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2020 (Magnum)

Iconica — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:22:20 +0000

Soil Type

The soils have varied and complex features with strong presence of limestone, areas rich in marl and pebbles, as well as partially clay. They are situated at an altitude between 100 and 400 meters above sea level, with a West, South-West.

Weather Trends

Autumn brought abundant rain from mid-October to late December. Temperatures stayed mild, sometimes exceeding seasonal averages. Intense cold arrived in February, nearing 0°C. March began with strong sea winds and rain, but mild temperatures helped early varieties like Merlot develop buds. Late March brought Russian winds, dropping temperatures and causing night frosts. Cabernet Sauvignon was unharmed, while some Cabernet Franc showed slower development on secondary buds.

April and May were mild, with alternating sun and rain, leading to increased vegetation. Agronomists intervened to control plant growth. By mid-June, sunny, warm weather lasted until harvest, interrupted only by rain in July and August. The grapes ripened 7-8 days earlier than usual. Despite higher sugar content, they arrived healthy, fully ripe, and of excellent quality.

Harvest

The manual harvest began in the first week of September with the grapes from the younger vineyards starting from the Cabernet Franc and then continued with the Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyards located at lower altitudes, ending in the last week of September with those on the hills located over 300 meters above sea level (Vigna di Castiglioncello and Vigna del Quercione).

Vinification

Selection of the grapes through a sorting table, to eliminate impurities and any presence of imperfections. Soft pressing and delicate destemming of the grapes, maintaining the integrity of the berries and avoiding excessive transfer of tannins. The alcoholic fermentation (completely spontaneous and without the addition of external yeasts) was concluded by the end of October and carried out regularly and at controlled temperatures not exceeding 27-28 °C.

Frequent delestages and pumping over allowed for excellent aromatic extraction and freshness in terms of acidity of the musts. The malolactic fermentations took place in steel, at the end of November. In the first week of December, after frequent decanting to clean the musts, the wine was placed in oak barriques.

Ageing

At the end of the malolactic fermentation, the wine was placed in barriques using 45% new wood, 45% first passage and 10% second passage. Sassicaia 2020, after more than 25 months of aging in wood, was decanted into steel tanks before the final blending and then bottling. Subsequent refinement in the bottle before release on the market.

For more information on the Tenuta San Guido wines click here or visit their website here.

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Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2021 (Magnum)

Iconica — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:00:06 +0000

Guidalberto marks the new millennium: the 2000 vintage appears on the market with less pretense than Sassicaia and with a more approachable drinkability, while showing a great aging potential. It is not intended to follow in the footsteps of Sassicaia, but rather be a wine that shows another expression of the Tenuta San Guido territory.

The Label

The label depicts the Oratory of San Guido and the wine is named after the family ancestor Guidalberto della Gherardesca, an agricultural pioneer in the Bolgheri area. It was in the first decades of the 1800’s when he built the first factories, and churches, and planned the avenue of cypress trees, the Viale dei Cipressi. These trees were initially used to mark the boundaries between the different crops. Its ornamental value, with the tall cypresses running in double rows, came after that.

Soil Type

The vineyards sit on varied, complex terrain with limestone, marl, pebbles, and clay. The altitude ranges between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, with south/south-west exposure.

Weather Trends

Autumn 2020 was rainy with mild temperatures, but winter turned harsh due to a polar cold front. Spring arrived timidly in late March but was interrupted by cold air, bringing temperatures close to zero. Rain persisted until mid-May, followed by sunny days. June was mild, but July was hot and dry. August started with heat but saw rain on the 16th, stabilizing temperatures. The grapes ripened perfectly, without excess sugar, and had nice pulp and well-lignified pips.

Harvest

The manual harvest began with Merlot in late August, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon on 22 September. It ended in early October. Ideal weather allowed a calm harvest, producing a balance between technical and phenolic maturity. Excellent lignification of seeds and stalks released only noble tannins during destemming and maceration.

Vinification

Grapes were sorted in the field and again on arrival at the cellar. Soft pressing and gentle destemming avoided excessive tannic transfer. Alcoholic fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures of around 27-28°C, without external yeasts. Maceration lasted 14-16 days for Merlot and 16-18 days for Cabernet Sauvignon, with frequent pumping over and délestage for balanced musts and excellent anthocyanin extraction. Malolactic fermentation took place slowly in stainless steel, starting in early November and finishing by the end of the month.

Aging

From mid-December, musts were placed in 225-litre barriques, 40% new French oak, 40% second passage, and 20% third and fourth passage. Aging lasted 15 months, followed by three months of bottle refinement before release. This careful selection balanced tannin release while preserving the vintage’s primary and secondary aromas.

For more information on the Tenuta San Guido wines click here or visit their website here.

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Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2022 (Magnum)

Iconica — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 13:47:30 +0000

Le Difese, first vintaged in 2002, is the latest arrival at Tenuta San Guido. Le Difese is a red wine full-bodied Bordeaux-style but with a Tuscan soul: a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, aged in barrique for 12 months. It is soft, round, elegant and velvety, enlivened by a balanced freshness and hints of cherries, chocolate, herbs and sweet spices. It is an extremely pleasant, smooth, and versatile wine that welcomes with grace, the selection of grapes while it exemplifies its qualities when paired with food.

Le Difese takes its name from the teeth of the wild boar, depicted in gold on the label.

Soil Type

The soils on which the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are planted have varied and composite morphological characteristics with a strong presence of limestone areas, rich in Alberese and Gabbro, as well as stones and stones, and are partially clayey. They are located at an altitude between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, with a West / South-West exposure.

Weather Trends

The 2022 season was warm, but Bolgheri, especially in the hills, experienced different conditions than the rest of Italy. Autumn brought heavy rains and above-normal temperatures, which dropped by late November, causing plant dormancy and pest elimination. Winter was rainy, and from late February, temperatures rose rapidly, creating humid conditions. March was mild with no rain, but from late April, temperatures soared above average, causing strong fruit selection and reducing production.

Despite a warm and dry summer, the area’s proximity to the sea, strong winds, and temperature shifts ensured high-quality grapes. By late August, temperatures dropped. Though the 2022 vintage was challenging with lower yields, hillside vineyards produced excellent grapes with balanced acidity and moderate alcohol. Le Difese 2022 reveals intense fruit, softness, and well-integrated tannins.

Harvest

The harvest, carried out by hand, began on September 4th for the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and from September 16th with the Sangiovese, until the end of the month. It was necessary to speed up the harvest to prevent the grapes, perfectly ripe and of good quality, from risking excessive progress in the technical maturation. We worked during the coolest hours of the day and at night (especially in the cellar) to keep the grapes at optimal temperatures during the processing. This has made it possible to achieve the correct qualitative objectives of the musts.

Vinification

Selection of the grapes in the cellar via a sorting table. Soft crushing-destemming of the grapes to avoid improper transfer of tannins. Primary fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature and maceration on the skins with frequent pumping over to oxygenate and lower the temperature of the musts. We have reduced the délestage operations to avoid excessive tannic transfer. Malolactic fermentation carried out in steel and, at the end of it, was fined in French oak barriques, previously used for Guidalberto. Subsequent conservation in steel vats at a controlled temperature to confer tartaric stability before bottling.

For more information on the Tenuta San Guido wines click here or visit their website here.

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Penfolds Grange 2016

Philippa Mitchell — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:13:08 +0000

Penfolds Grange, a powerful example of Penfolds’ multi-vineyard, multi-district blending approach, is among Australia’s most iconic wines. Recognized as a Heritage Icon of South Australia, Grange is crafted from fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured Shiraz grapes, showcasing a unique style that stands among the world’s finest wines. Since the 1951 experimental vintage, Grange has consistently displayed the harmony of Shiraz with South Australia’s diverse soils and climates.

Tasting Note

Colour – Bright, deep red with iris-purple at the rim.

Nose – A fusion of preserved figs, black plum, blackberry and black liquorice flirts with an aromatic elution of fish oil, anchovy, soy and sesame/nori. Nascent scents of toasted charred meats (rotisserie rib of beef?), rendered fat/marrow … An uplifting freshness and higher notes are liberated with air – awakened scents akin to cola, Chinotto, aniseed, root beer. Camouflaged (new!) oak has to be proactively sought out, verified. Strikes a Grange stylistic bullseye, all boxes ticked.

Palate – A retronasal transfer of the aromatics listed above converge to similarly adorn the palate. Full-bodied – turbo-propelled by a V.A./formic mix, affording attaque and grip, yet respectful of balance and style. Custom-fitted with impressive density and length – all dark and black, harmonious. Oak conceded – absorbed, compliant – effortlessly merging with blue and black fruits and dark chocolate/mocha notes. Solid, malleable tannins, with an exacting acid coupling, serve to polish and elevate; no doubt soon to preserve. Energetic, focussed. Much still to reveal … 97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon

Maturation

18 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new)

Vintage Conditions

Dry, cool conditions marked autumn and winter across South Australia. Rainfall stayed below the long-term average through spring and summer, slightly delaying the growing season in warmer districts. Early summer warmth and abundant sunshine helped Shiraz vines develop healthy canopies and solid bunch sets. Late January and early February rains provided welcome relief, boosting yield forecasts across the state.

Late summer and early autumn brought ideal conditions, allowing grapes to ripen evenly with rich flavors and firm tannins. Both yield and quality excelled in the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley harvests. McLaren Vale experienced only a few days over 40°C in December, with no heatwaves from veraison to harvest. Mild weather at Magill Estate vineyard also supported even ripening across its three blocks. Workers handpicked the Magill Estate grapes on February 11th and 12th.

For more information about Penfolds wines click here or visit their website here.

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Dominio de Pingus ‘Flor de Pingus’ 2021

Iconica — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:07:50 +0000

Flor de Pingus receives the same rigorous viticulture as Pingus, making it a top contender among the best wines in the Ribera del Duero region. Since its creation, Peter Sisseck has championed two wines: Pingus and Flor de Pingus. Crafted from old Tempranillo vines in La Horra, Flor mirrors Pingus with its dedication to biodynamic practices and exceptional winemaking standards. The Wine Advocate has praised it, noting that Flor de Pingus might offer Spain’s best wine in terms of price and quality.

Produced in limited quantities—only 6,500 cases—Flor de Pingus ferments in open-top wooden tanks and ages for 18 months in a mix of old and new French oak barrels. The wine comes from estate-owned, head-pruned vines, ensuring greater control over quality. As Flor de Pingus gains recognition, collectors now seek out older vintages, which are seeing prices climb. This wine presents a unique profile, with roasted aromas, dark fruit, and spices, and its ability to age further adds to its allure.

Flor de Pingus stands strong on its own, making its mark as a sought-after wine that continues to evolve with each vintage.

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Opus One 2019

Iconica — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:49:27 +0000

Opus One 2019 is one of the best vintages of this famous wine.

Tasting Note

The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by ﬁne-grained tannins. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit ﬂavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the ﬁnish.

Vintage

Grapes were harvested ten days earlier than average, on 10th September, with harvest lasting four weeks. 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec complete the blend—ageing 19 months in new French oak.

Background

Baron Philippe de Rothschild, proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi founded Opus One. They combined their families’ winemaking traditions and innovations to create an exceptional wine in Napa Valley. Opus One was born from their passion and dedication to uncompromised quality. Its sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.

Additional Ratings

98 points | Jane Anson

Hold +3 years or carafe 4 hours.

The balance of the 2019 vintage in Napa is a pleasure to taste, and this is a brilliant Opus One, showing nuance, depth and concentration, and a ton of rich dark fruits. There is so much to love here, it ebbs and flows through the palate, has some of the character of the early years, those 1979s and 1980s that are still tasting incredible, and the utterly brilliant 1987.

Raspberry, blueberry, damson, cassis, there are crunchy fruits and sweet fruits at the same time, playing off against each other, fine tannins, a full bloom of floral violet and peony aromatics, gentle woodsmoke and white pepper, with tension, depth and poise. 22 day skin contact. A wet winter meant a late bud break, 10-15 days behind average, followed by a hot summer that allowed the vines to catch up, so harvest relatively normal beginning September 10 for one month. Drink 2024 – 2042

Learn about the Opus One click here or visit the Opus One website here.

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