At a glance

Producer

Tenuta San Guido

Region

Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$280-$400 (USD, global range)

Tasting profile

Aromas of ripe blackcurrant, cypress, tobacco, cedar, and earthy graphite. Palate now showing tertiary notes: leather, dried cherry, Mediterranean herbs, savory spice, with refined, lingering finish.

Evolution: Moves from youthful blackberry and cassis with new oak, to cedar, sage, iron, and complex mineral/umami. Tannins soften, acid integrates, elegance grows.

At peak: Refined balance of fruit, herbal complexity, velvet texture; optimal for both connoisseurs and collectors.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus; maintains freshness

Tannins

Silky, integrated, medium-plus

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5%

Aging potential

Another 7-10 years under ideal storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2021 to 2029

Optimal window

2017 to 2032

Current status

Evolving; approaching peak maturity but with life ahead

Current condition

Developed secondary flavors with remaining core fruit; drinking very well now, shows balance of maturity and freshness

2011 was a warm, structured vintage in Bolgheri, offering ample fruit and moderate acidity to balance aging. At over a decade old, the 2011 Sassicaia now offers matured aromatics while preserving freshness; it will remain at peak for several more years but is fully enjoyable now.

Food pairing

Tuscan bistecca, roast lamb with rosemary, grilled porcini, cinghiale (wild boar), mature pecorino, or earthy lentil dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has integrated tannins and is 14 years old, which suggests it may benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Water-efficient irrigation, chemical reduction, biodiversity support in and around estate, gravity-flow winery, recycled packaging (partial), limited intervention in vineyard; some solar use in more recent vintages but not in 2011.

Tenuta San Guido is committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible viticulture, but as of 2011, did not hold formal third-party sustainability certifications. Key practices include careful use of natural resources, biodiversity measures, and limited chemical inputs. The wine’s carbon footprint reflects long-distance export; estate is moving toward improved energy and eco-initiatives in recent vintages, but historic footprint (2011) is typical for premium European exports.