Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2004 (2 Fl.)

Parker: The 2004 Bolgheri Sassicaia is the proverbial time capsule wine that takes you back stylistically to a retro winemaking era. These were the years of big extraction, large fruit and power and I can’t help but feel some nostalgia for this era of Baroque winemaking. When I first tasted this wine in 2008, I had given it 97 points and I praised its primary tones of succulent cherry and blackcurrant. I also remarked on what I called its “little teaser” aromas of blue flower, cola and Mediterranean herb. All of those characteristics are happily intact today. In fact, they are remarkably well preserved with the same vigor, suppleness and continuity that I remember. This was a good vintage that saw high crop yields following the unforgettable heat of the previous 2003 summer. Over the years, this wine has fleshed out beautifully and it remains elegantly muscular and toned. The major difference is that the wine’s oak nuances have become more prominent with time. That's why I scored it less this time. The bouquet makes a strong showing of baking spice, cinnamon, nutmeg and spicy tobacco. The tannins are smooth and plump and there is a point of cedar or rosewood sweetness on the finish. The style is full and generous and this wine will continue to hold steady for years to come.