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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2009 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
2009 Sassicaia
Appellation: D.O.C. Bolgheri Sassicaia
Grape blend: 85 % Cabernet Sauvignon 15 % Cabernet Franc
Soil composition: The vineyards are planted on plots of land with different and composite morphological characteristics, as well as with a strong presence of limestone. These areas are also rich in rocks and rather rich in clay and are located at an altitude between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, facing West - South/West.
Vine training: Cordon spur system
Planting density: Between 3.600 to 5.500 vine stocks/Ha for older vineyards and 6.200 vine stocks/Ha for newer vineyards.
Climate: The climate was excellent for the entire year. Between late autumn and early winter, we had very rigid temperatures that favoured the vegetative arrest of the plants. From mid-winter to late spring the rainfalls were incessant, combined with temperatures slightly below seasonal average. The bud pushing, as well as the following phenology phases up to the flowering, started with little delay. The summer season was very good, with sunshine and temperatures above the seasonal average. Between late July and late August, the temperatures were higher than seasonal average but, thanks to the presence of water in the soil and to the accumulation of winter and autumn rainfalls, we did not have problems in terms of water. The difference in temperature between day and night was excellent ensuring a good phenological ripeness of the grapes.
Harvest: As a result of the favorable climatic conditions, the harvest was carried out regularly, beginning in early September and ending in the first week of October.
Wine making: The primary fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats at a temperature of 30° - 31° C. The maceration of the skins lasted 15 days for both the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc, with a combination of pumping over and délestage. The malolactic or secondary fermentation also took place in the steel vats.
Ageing: The wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and a few more months in the bottle before being released on the market.