Sassicaia 1979 75cl

This decade of winemaking closes with another successful effort. The 1979 Sassicaia delivers a playfully Mediterranean personality that marries this great Tuscan red blend to a concrete sense of territory. You can almost smell those tones of wild sage and rosemary that come from the lush green shrubs that grow so thickly along the Tuscan Coast. Those dark herbal notes end with tertiary tones of cured meat, cola and balsam herb. You also sense some of the saltiness that comes thanks to the soft offshore breezes. The wine closes with a spot of candied fruit sweetness that recalls the warm Tuscan sunshine. All these elements contribute to shaping a profound sense of place.

Lovely and light, medium-bodied, caramel, mineral and black cherry character. From an average year in Tuscany, this '79 still shows that Sassicaia can age and turn out good wines even in difficult vintages.--Sassicaia vertical. Drink now. - PM (July 31, 1996)