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Sassicaia-Inspired, Sub-$40 Super Tuscan - 08/11/2024 - Italy

Many would argue that the team at San Guido is making some of their best-ever wines. This not only applies to their otherworldly Sassicaia, but also applies to their entire range, including this Le Difese. Crafted from a blend of Cabernet and Sangiovese, Le Difese has a more accessibility that it's other siblings, giving it more immediate character and expressiveness that's endlessly charming. It is clearly one of the top renditions of this bottling they've produced to date, and continues to be a go-to for those that want to see what the magic is all about at Tenuta San Guido.

2022 San Guido

2022 San Guido "Le Difese" Toscana IGT ($36.99)

92 points Decanter: "Le Difese 2022 is a blend of 55% Sangiovese and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, the former brought in from long-standing partners based in Chianti and Chianti Rufina In Bolgheri it's not easy to find Sangiovese, third-generation Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta explained. 2022 saw slightly lower production than 2021 due to a warm spring and a rainy autumn. Macerations were shorter than previous years, and the wine retains the same blend as last year as part of the estate's continuing plans to make Le Difese approachable almost immediately and give it its own Tuscan identity. Bright red and purple scents with a creamy backdrop and herbal touches lead to a soft and textured palate full of fresh, tangy cherry and dark hedgerow berries. (JB)" (02/2024)

92 points Vinous: "The 2022 Le Difese is plump, juicy and expressive, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Crushed flowers, succulent red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood orange all race across the palate. This exuberant yet mid-weight coastal Tuscan red is a total pleasure bomb. The 2022 is an especially fine edition. It benefits from a warm year - which can be a positive for entry-level wines - earlier bottling and selection. Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (both estate and non-estate sites) and Sangiovese, all purchased. (AG)" (02/2024)

91 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2022 Le Difese is made with 60% Sangiovese and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and includes some grapes purchased from the Chianti in Ruffina to enhance the wines aromatic profile and freshness. The grapes see maceration on the skins for 15 days, then are aged in used barrels for eight months. Deep ruby with a tinge of light purple, this 2022 is aromatic of anise, fresh leather, and spiced cherries. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has ripe tannins, with a clean mineral touch. (AF) 91+" (01/2024)

91 points James Suckling: "Bright and attracitve aromas of raspberries and cranberries with some cedar follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a crunchy finish. Fresh and crisp. Second wine of Sassicaia." (02/2024)