| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Italy > Tuscany |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This vintage shows a remarkable aromatic profile of Mediterranean herbs, cassis, black cherries, leather and earth with a kind of gamey depth. Full-bodied, it shows velvety, slightly sandy tannins with a firm structure, refreshing integrated acidity and a savory cedar finish. Drinkable now, but best in one or two years.
The 2023 Guidalberto was tasted as a preview and was a preliminary blend of barrel samples prepared for this tasting by the winery team, led by Carlo Paoli. The second sample that was blended was pure and ripe, with detailed layers of youthful cherry liqueur, fresh herbs, and lavender perfume. The palate offers medium to full-bodied richness, with a supple and primary feel, though it starts to reveal its underlying refined structure. While this was an early preliminary look at what the wine could look like, I’m looking forward to next year’s tasting to see how it develops.
2023 was a very good year for the Cabernets, according to Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, who added that a very hot start to August made it more difficult for early-ripening Merlot. As a result, Merlot has been reduced in the blend from 60% to 45%. The rich and glossy red berry, blackberry and black cherry fruit is nicely layered with balsamic herbs, damp earth and lovely mid-palate sapidity, with a creamy undertow which leads to a finish of dark chocolate and bitter herbs. Intense but not overtly concentrated, fresh and poised, there's much to love here – although it will require at least another six months to pull together harmoniously. Drink between 2025-2038.
Full bottle 1,262 g. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot picked between 4 September and 5 October. Fermented in tank and then aged for 12 months in mainly French barriques but 5% American oak (40% new oak overall).
First bottle had mild TCA. Second bottle: Mid, shaded garnet. Definitely a baby brother to its stablemate Sassicaia. The relationship is clear! Not flashy and a little restrained with a dry, balsam finish. Very pure and savoury with no specious sweetness. Real energy to this wine! Very impressive. But I'd cellar it for a while. Drink 2026-2033.
