Le Difese 2018

91 points, “A medium-bodied red with plum and cherry character. Walnut and bark undertones. It’s creamy and savoury at the finish. Drink now.” – James Suckling

Le Difese has been produced by Tenuta San Guido, the estate behind Sassicaia, since 2003. Crafted from a blend of approximately 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, then matured in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months, Le Difese demonstrates just how special Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany can be. This accessible red presents notes of blackberry, cassis, plum crumble, toasted oak, cherry, wild herbs, roasted nuts, creamy coffee and exotic spices. A fine choice to drink while your Sassicaia rests in the cellar.

Tenuta San Guido are the team behind the legend that is Sassicaia, widely acknowledged to be the first Super Tuscan and a catalyst for an Italian winemaking revolution. A wine so controversial it was relegated to a table wine by the restrictive DOC regulations, only to prove so successful and highly revered that it was granted its own DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia – the only single estate to receive this privilege. The first Italian wine to receive 100 points from Robert Parker, a red that regularly beats Bordeaux’s First Growths in blind tasting competitions and according to Decanter Magazine: “One of the greatest wines in the world, famed and feted for its timeless elegance, balance and longevity.” Wines like Le Difese and Guidalberto provide a glimpse into the awesome world of Tenuta San Guido, but at a lower price point than their more famous sibling, Sassicaia.