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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2005 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia – Benchmark Super Tuscan with Old World Finesse
The 2005 Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido is a beautifully refined vintage that highlights the estate’s unique position in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Known as one of the original Super Tuscan wines, Sassicaia established a new paradigm for Italian reds—Cabernet-based, yet unmistakably rooted in Tuscan terroir.
Tasting Notes
The 2005 offers a restrained, elegant bouquet of dried cherries, crushed herbs, leather, and hints of cedar and iron-rich minerality. On the palate, it delivers fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity, with savory flavors of tobacco leaf, red currant, and a subtle touch of spice. It’s a vintage that favors balance over power, with a long, silky finish.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
Sourced exclusively from the Sassicaia vineyard within the San Guido estate in Bolgheri, the 2005 blend consists of approximately **85% Cabernet Sauvignon** and **15% Cabernet Franc**. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation and **24 months of aging in French oak barriques**, about one-third new. The gravelly, well-draining soils of the coastal estate contribute to the wine’s signature refinement.
Investment & Collectibility
While overshadowed by flashier vintages, the 2005 Sassicaia is beloved by collectors for its age-worthy structure and subtle complexity. It is now entering a plateau of drinking maturity, showing beautifully integrated tertiary notes. Perfect for your collection or cellar rotation of top fine Italian wines.
Vintage Insights
The 2005 vintage in Tuscany was cooler and wetter than average, leading to a slower ripening period. For Sassicaia, this translated to a classic, mid-weight expression—less opulent than blockbuster vintages like 2004 or 2006, but with precision and excellent aromatic definition.