The April 2022 Auction: Part 2
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1 / 2Lot 954
Estimate: $325
Very lightly bin soiled, very lightly damp stained label.
Sold:
This auction has ended. Bidding is closed.
Collection name
Reviews
97ST
"(85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc): Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly intense yet refined aromas of ripe red cherry, mint, smoke and black truffle, complicated by lovely mineral and floral elements. Ripe, rich and velvety on entry, then concentrated in the middle, with flavors of red cherry, cassis, spices, bay leaf, dark chocolate and espresso. Amazingly well balanced and fresh wine, with sound, bright acids supplying wonderful lift and precision and smooth, noble tannins adding considerable power and grace. The finish goes on for minutes, highlighted by an enchanting floral-mineral quality; in my experience, the appearance of this strong floral component (in the absence of herbal or peppery aromas and flavors more typical of lesser vintages) at this early stage of development is typical of the greatest versions of Sassicaia. One of the top dozen Sassicaia bottlings ever. Interestingly, over the years owner Incisa della Rocchetta has been accused by some wine writers of harvesting much too early. In 2004 all the cabernet at Sassicaia was picked within the month of September, whereas some neighboring estates harvested well into October. Given the differences in quality achieved, some of the latter might do well to take a page out of Sassicaia's play book."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"(85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc): Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly intense yet refined aromas of ripe red cherry, mint, smoke and black truffle, complicated by lovely mineral and floral elements. Ripe, rich and velvety on entry, then concentrated in the middle, with flavors of red cherry, cassis, spices, bay leaf, dark chocolate and espresso. Amazingly well balanced and fresh wine, with sound, bright acids supplying wonderful lift and precision and smooth, noble tannins adding considerable power and grace. The finish goes on for minutes, highlighted by an enchanting floral-mineral quality; in my experience, the appearance of this strong floral component (in the absence of herbal or peppery aromas and flavors more typical of lesser vintages) at this early stage of development is typical of the greatest versions of Sassicaia. One of the top dozen Sassicaia bottlings ever. Interestingly, over the years owner Incisa della Rocchetta has been accused by some wine writers of harvesting much too early. In 2004 all the cabernet at Sassicaia was picked within the month of September, whereas some neighboring estates harvested well into October. Given the differences in quality achieved, some of the latter might do well to take a page out of Sassicaia's play book."
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Italy grows more indigenous grape varieties than any other country and produces wine in all 20 of its regions. From Piedmont's Nebbiolo to Tuscany's Sangiovese, its finest wines pair structure and bright acidity with a strong sense of place.
The heartland of Sangiovese, producing Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and the Cabernet-influenced 'Super Tuscans' of the coast. Its wines balance bright acidity, savory structure and cellar-worthiness.
The world's most planted premium red grape, yielding deeply colored, tannic and structured wines with cassis, cedar and graphite notes. Firm tannins and acidity make it exceptionally age-worthy, whether as a varietal or the backbone of a Bordeaux blend.