Tuscany

Wine Review – 2013 Sassicaia

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Bottle Presentation A distinct, elegant cream-coloured label featuring the winery’s iconic emblem. The gold font elevates the bottle’s (and winery’s) presentation. Appearance Clear, medium garnet Nose Clean, medium-plus nose, with blackberry, dark plums, dark cherries, savoury spice, eucalyptus, anise, vanilla, tobacco, and a tinge of spaghetti sauce. We’d consider this a developing wine given the emerging tertiary notes. Palate Dry, medium-plus bodied, high acidity, medium-plus tannins, and medium, well-integrated alcohol. Medium-plus intensity, with sour dark cherries, blackberry, semi-sweet chocolate, cedar, charred wood, eucalyptus, vanilla, and green tea. Finish An enduring, enjoyable finish, with lingering eucalyptus and green tea notes. Overall Impressions A beautiful offering from an exceptional producer. We had been looking forward to pouring this wine since we purchased it in 2016, and now that we’ve done so, we’re left with mixed feelings. On the one hand, this is an incredible red blend that shone in so many ways. On the other hand, we’re disappointed we don’t have another bottle in the cellar (at least from the same vintage) to enjoy in a few years. This is an outstanding wine that ticks all the boxes for balance, length, intensity, and complexity. It is drinking beautifully now, though it could be cellared for many years to come. As with most of our best reds, we poured it with grilled steak, and the pairing was engaging and highly satisfying. Saying that, we could easily enjoy this red on its own, as it continued to open throughout the night. In fact, we found it was better later, on its own, after it had more time to open up. We’ve had some excellent reds in the past year, including a Château Latour and an Artemis from Stag’s Leap. In our opinion, the Sassicaia was the pick of the lot, which speaks for itself. Ratings Overall Rating: 98/10 E-Wine rating: 5/5. Purchasing a case extends a little beyond our means, but if we had the funds on hand, we’d be more than happy to do so. Value: 5/5. Although expensive, it is hard to imagine another wine that would top this offering regardless of price, which, in our book, makes it an excellent value for the experience (or the money).

An amazing Bordeaux blend from one of Italy’s smallest, yet best regions, at least in our opinion. Name: Sassicaia Vintage: 2013 Producer: Tenuta San Guido Region/Country:  Bolgheri, Italy Grape Varietal(s): 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc Alcohol Level: 13.5% abv Consumed: At home Recommended By: Purchased from the SAQ. Cost: $287.23 CAD, purchased in … Read more

Wine Review – 2015 Il Barbiglione Terre di Pisa Rosso – July 2024 tasting

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The 2015 Il Barbiglione Terre di Pisa Rosso is a diverse, Italian red blend approaching its peak drinking window… Name: Il Barbiglione Vintage: 2015 Producer: Usiglian del Vescovo Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy; DOC Terre di Pisa Grape Varietal(s): Predominantly Syrah, with small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (percentages unknown) Alcohol Level: 14% abv. Consumed: At … Read more

Wine Review – 2015 Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo

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A very good IGT from a spectacular region in Italy… Name: Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo Vintage: 2015        Producer: Poggio al Tufo Region/Country: Maremma Toscana, Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) Alcohol Level: 13% Consumed: At home on a brisk fall evening Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO … Read more

Wine Review – 2009 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva

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A good-to-very good Chianti Classico Riserva from the heart of the Chianti region… We very much looked forward to opening this Chianti Classico Riserva after having cellared it for a number of years. As expected, it offered a gorgeous and vibrant ruby-garnet hue, which caught more than one eye during dinner. Produced in the heart … Read more

Wine Review – 2014 La Vite Lucente

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A Merlot-Sangiovese blend with excellent potential… Name: La Vite Lucente Vintage: 2014 Producer: Luce della Vite, Frescobaldi Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Merlot and Sangiovese Alcohol content: 13.5% Consumed: At Bella Gelateria and Pizzeria in Vancouver, Canada Recommended By: Picked it off the wine list at the restaurant Cost: $75 CAD at the restaurant (available … Read more

Wine Review – Montemercurio Messaggero 2008

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A layered offering from Montemercurio in the tradition of the Montepulciano region… Name: Messaggero Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vintage: 2008 Producer: Montemercurio Region/Country: Montepulciano, Siena, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese Consumed: On a Friday, after a long week. Recommended By: LCBO Cost: $29.95 Bottle Presentation: Very classic Italian, reminiscent of Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel. Appearance: … Read more

Wine Review – CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2009

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You know you have a great bottle of wine when you look forward to drinking it again… Name: CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Vintage: 2009 Producer: Tenuta CastelGiocondo, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Region/Country: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese Consumed: October 1st 2016 at home Recommended By: LCBO vintages Cost: $50 Bottle Presentation: Classic and distinctive. We … Read more

Wine Review – Diadema 2009

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An intriguing IGT with a beautiful bottle that divulges its secrets over time… Name: Diadema Vintage: 2009 Producer: Diadema Wine & Champagne, SRL Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): 75% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah Consumed: June 24, 2016 at home Recommended By: A good friend (we received it as a wedding gift) Cost: … Read more