Sassicaia standards for $70?  What?!

In 1968, Tenuta San Guido made the first Super Tuscan known famously as Sassicaia.  Among the top five Tuscan titans, Sassicaia is a Bordeaux blend from the prized Bolgheri sub-region.  At $320 per bottle, however, it may not be an everyday red.  Savy connoisseurs like to enjoy the estate's Guidalberto Super Tuscan - which is turning heads - while the flagship wine, Sassicaia, ages in their cellar. 

At $70, Guidalberto is nothing short of spectacular. It is owned by Tenuta San Guido (of Sassicaia) and has a similar pedigree from vineyard to bottle.  The grapes are intentionally picked a bit early to preserve freshness, allowing for youthful approachability.  An amazing 2022 vintage has closed the gap considerably between the winery's "Guilalberto" and "Sassicaia" wines.  

"The 2022 Guidalberto gives you a good taste of the same DNA that brings us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it's offered in a more immediate style here (thanks to the addition of the Merlot). This warm vintage opens to medium-dark concentration and very plump aromas that take you immediately to blackberry and blackcurrant sitting out in the sun at your local farmers market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a pretty level of elegance transmitted through the fruit freshness delivered with grace." Robert Parker

Like many of the finest chateaux in Bordeaux, Tenuta San Guido crafts Guidalberto as a "second wine" using all-estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The wine is shaped by the same soil and climate as its big brother, Sassicaia. 

Often called "Baby Sassicaia," this "Super Second" may be enjoyed with grilled meat, wild boar bolognese, pizza, or on its own with a wedge of cheese. 

Delicious!