Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Forever in the shadow of the legendary vintage that precedes it, the 1986 Sassicaia never garnished the attention or accolades that this wine truly merited. This is yet another underdog vintage that showed surprising results in this retrospective (and likewise has never been formally reviewed by Robert Parker Wine Advocate). This effort from 1986 offers integrity and grace with fine and finessed aromas of dried berry, tobacco, tar, licorice and grilled rosemary. That elegance has prevailed over the many years this wine has evolved in the bottle. This vintage does not show the heavy darkness of 1987. Instead the wine offers a vertical approach with bright intensity and fresh menthol.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.