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 Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$300–$450 (USD/bottle retail on release); current market avg $400–$600

Tasting profile

Intense dark berries, cassis, black cherry, violet, graphite, and Mediterranean herbs, with subtle vanilla and sandalwood from fine French oak. Structured tannins support a harmonious, youthful palate. Very fresh and persistent finish.

Evolution: Will develop additional tertiary notes of cedar, cigar box, truffle, dried fruit, and savory minerality over 10+ years. Tannins will further resolve and acidity will preserve balance.

At peak: At peak, expect complex aromas of dark fruit, dried herbs, earth, cedar, and spice, integrated structure, great length and finesse. One of Italy’s best cellar-worthy reds.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, fresh and vibrant

Tannins

Firm and noble, very fine-grained but present

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

20–30 years from vintage in top storage; exceptional pedigree for the region and proven multi-decade cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2055

Optimal window

2026 to 2058

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Youthful power, but with harmonizing tannins and admirable balance. Open with air; still capable of long-term improvement.

2018 is a classically styled and highly rated Sassicaia, praised for its freshness and balance. While approachable after a few hours air, it will express its full complexity and integration after 8–12 years and hold for decades under ideal conditions.

Food pairing

Tuscan bistecca, dry-aged ribeye, roast lamb, wild boar, mushroom risotto, aged Pecorino, or truffle dishes. Carries bold flavors; pair with umami-rich fare and moderate fat.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Aeration softens tannins, unlocks complexity, and allows youthful aromas to open; sediment is minimal but possible in aging bottles.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Estate vineyards farmed with sustainable sensibilities but not certified. Minimal chemical use, cover-cropping, biodiversity encouraged. Wastewater treatment and efforts to limit chemical intervention reported. Some trials with organic methods on portion of vineyards.

Tenuta San Guido practices sustainable viticulture, using some organic and natural techniques, but does not hold organic or biodynamic certification for Sassicaia as of the 2018 vintage. Environmental care is present (cover crops, biodiversity), and water/energy use is considered, but packaging (heavy glass bottles) and international shipping increase its carbon footprint relative to more local or eco-certified alternatives. Producer demonstrates respect for environmental stewardship, but not among the industry’s top leaders in sustainability. Improvements could include certification and lighter packaging.