Guidalberto, Sassicaia 2nd growth, 2012 Magnum (1.5L) at £71.95

Sassicaia is a trail-blazing Tuscan wine made, largely from Cabernet Sauvignon, originally by Mario Incisa della Rochetta at the Tenuta (domaine) San Guido near Bolgheri and one of the first Italian reds made in the image of fine red bordeaux. In 1994 sassicaia was granted its own DOC as an official subzone of Bolgheri, the only wine from a single estate in Italy to enjoy this privilege.

Guidalberto, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and is the 'little brother' to the winery's celebrated Sassicaia, from three vineyard sites surrounding Bolgheri. The varieties are vinified separately before blending and maturation in French and American oak. The wine has an intense violet colour and a soft and rounded fruit profile, and can be enjoyed immediately or over the next 3-4 years.

The 2012 Guidalberto (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) impresses for the approachable, yet intriguing, delivery of fruit. The style is fruit-forward and ripe, yet the wine is not banal. There’s a fluidity to the bouquet that brings it to cherry and blackberry with soft tones of leather and tobacco woven deep within. The mouthfeel is voluptuous and rich without feeling heavy or flat. The 2012 vintage shows good energy and verve, with a long flavor trail of chocolate and toasted espresso that leaves a favorable mark.

Come and get it or order it at www.grandcruco.com!

Cheers !