Vintages 2017 and 2016 could not be more different at Tenuta San Guido. Production is down significantly in 2017 – 45% for Le Difese, 15% for Guidalberto and 25% for Sassicaia – because of severe dehydration on the vine. Even so, the 2017s are gorgeous, but very much in the radiant style of a warm vintage. Readers will find much more classicism in the 2016s, wines that impress for their captivating aromatic intensity, depth and poise. In short, 2016 is a superb vintage for San Guido.
San Guido is one of many Bolgheri estates that is benefitting from a move towards a more polished style. To be sure, Sassicaia has always been the most restrained of Bolgheri’s super-stars, but the other wines – Le Difese and Guidalberto – have been more opulent in the past. A reduction of overall volume to favor quality is another positive sign here.
