Hello good people and I hope everyone is coping well with this spell of miserable weather. Perhaps if we all wish really hard the sun might come out to play...

Fortunately, this week was made a touch sunnier and easier to bear as I was invited to a preview tasting - launch of 2015 vintage of the legendary Sassicaia.

The "Sass", as it is known in the trade, does not really need much introduction. It is the original Super Tuscan - the wine that started the whole revolution in Tuscan wine making back in late 60s (good old 60s....) and it is still running strong. There are now a number of contenders to the title, but when Sass does it well (as in 2015) it is very difficult to beat, especially in terms of elegance and finesse. 

SASSICAIA 2015 

ZR 18++

The 2015 is composed of the usual 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc shining out of the glass with bright, deep purple colour. Nose is still quite tight but, driven by dark summer berries and a bit of spice in the background; very promising. Palate is very focused and intense at this stage but very long, balanced and full of energy with refined fresh acidity. It is all finely intertwined with red cherries, summer berries with hints of Mediterranean spices and smokey wood in the background. On the blind, it would be easy to think that one has Pauillac in the glass - Pichon Comtesse comes to mind. It will take some 5-6 years to settle in and will drink for another 10-20 - one of the great Sassicaias. I would not be surprised if the ratings increase after few years. Well done. Considering that we are selling mature vintages at £900+ per 6 bott, this looks like very decent deal as well. 

GUIDALBERTO 2016 - ZR - 16+

2016 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Freshness, finesse and elegance which are evident in Sassicaia dominate Guidalberto as well. There is perhaps a bit more fat and spice in the background thanks to Merlot, but it is all bright and shiny, almost Burgundian. Finely balanced with only 13.5 alc, this is all style, finesse and elegance; a vibrant, modern wine. Will drink well from 2020 for some 5 - 10 y. Mr Suckling might be a little too generous with his 94-95 points, but this is a very fine drop indeed. 

all the best,

Zoran

Zoran Ristanovic

City Wine Collection

T. +44 20 8948 7823 M. 07801 685392

E. zoranr@citywinecollection.com

www.citywinecollection.com