1 | Wine | Tuscany, 2009 | Page 4

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is stunningly beautiful. It boasts a great core of dark red fruit, licorice, spices, new leather and herbs. The 2009 impresses for its mid-palate density and sheer power. This is a great showing. The 2009 can be enjoyed today, but it is rather muscular, and is probably best suited for aging a few years. This is a terrific showing. A recent bottle of the 1995 was stunning in its beauty."

This wine was named #25 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"The first impression of this red is purity and finesse, as black currant, raspberry and violet aromas and flavors stay focused and persistent. An earthy leather element and mineral notes chime in on the finish, backed by a vibrant structure."

"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is a terrific wine for the money. Dark cherries, plums, tobacco, leather and licorice all flow from this juicy, plush Chianti. Layers of fruit meld together nicely through to the pliant, round finish."

"The 2009 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso impresses for its richness and sheer power. Mocha, sweet spices, plums, blackberries and herbs wrap around the palate as this intense wine shows off its pedigree. Layers of flavor build to the deep, intensely satisfying finish. The 2009 is complete and harmonious from the very first taste."

"This rich, full red's suave texture sets the stage for cherry, leather and underbrush flavors. The tannins match its rugged character, leaving a dusty, mouthcoating impression."

"The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wraps around the palate with succulent dark cherries, mint, tobacco, licorice and new leather. The 2009 boasts gorgeous inner perfume and luscious fruit, all supported by firm yet beautifully integrated tannins."

"A very powerful and rich Merlot-based red that delivers so much currant bush, tobacco and toasty oak character. Full and layered. Goes on for minutes on the palate."

"This is fantastic. Intense and super long on the palate. It's insanely complex yet subtle with so much going on, with a beautiful balance and tension. It is full and powerful with a big and juicy character that goes on for minutes. Muscular yet covered with plenty of fruit. Elegance with force. Hard not to drink."
James Suckling - 98 pts

"Bright full ruby. Pure, perfumed aromas of blackberry, cassis, lead pencil, violet and minerals, complicated by a superripe note of crushed raspberry. Extremely primary and pure, offering sharply defined cassis, violet and mineral flavors of great class. The perfectly integrated acidity and a vibrant floral character from the cabernet franc give the middle palate terrific lift. Though very ripe in its flavor profile, this wine conveys a rare lightness of touch that is typical of Sassicaia but rare for this vintage on the Tuscan Coast. Finishes with noble tannins and outstanding palate-staining length. For all its creamy power and charm, I really like this wine's balance and the subtle delivery of its complex flavors. I have tasted every vintage of Sassicaia on countless occasions and, other than the legendary 1985, I have no doubt that this is one of the two or three best Sassicaias at a similar stage of development."