The 1988 Sassicaia is among the most interesting wines made in this decade, although it does not surpass the high-performing 1986, 1985, 1984 and 1982 editions. The bouquet opens to savory tones of barbecue smoke and mesquite wood with cured meat, beef jerky and even a touch of white chocolate. The oak element is evident and has never fully integrated, despite the many years of beauty rest this wine has accrued in the sleepy cellars of Tenuta San Guido. Those exotic hickory or cedar wood characteristics give this wine unique definition. This was a very hot vintage and you can feel the weight of that ripe fruit. I have shortened the drinking window accordingly.

The brute power of the '88 brings to mind Chateau Latour in top vintages. Full-bodied, it's firm and rock-solid yet tastes very silky thanks to sensational concentration of fruit. Loads of minerally, peppery character and blackberry and red berry flavors. Supercharged, intense, long finish.--Sassicaia vertical. Best after 2002.??–PM??Region: Italy / Vino da Tavola-Tuscany Select to Add