Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2020

Breaking the rules, Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Bordeaux varietals on his Tuscan estate and in the 1960s released the now legendary Sassicaia. Le Difese is the supple, earlier-drinking release. Cabernet and Sangiovese, it’s silky and fresh.

For years, all but the wealthiest wine lovers could only look upon Sassicaia, one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons, with envy, due to its price. La Difese was introduced in 2003 to meet demand for wines from this highly acclaimed estate, and to do so at a more accessible price level.

The 2020 vintage yielded a ripe and generous style. The Sangiovese contributes freshness and precision, thanks to good water retention in the soils, while the Cabernet Sauvignon offers elements of juicy, full-bodied fruit. Similar in style to 2018, the 2020 blend comprises 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 55% Sangiovese, aged for 12 months in French adn American oak barrels, previously used for Sassicaia and Guidalberto.

Juicy and approachable, the nose reveals ripe plums, blackberry, cherry and a Mediterranean touch of black olive. The palate offes crunchy dark berries, dried fruit and a hint of tobacco. This is a playful, easy-going red, perfect for everyday enjoyment. Drink 2022-2026.