Still rich in spicy undertones, this is a wine with great interest, but it is still not displaying the glorious confidence of the 1995 and 1996 vintages. There’s a touch of eugenol cloves from the oak, it’s one of the few vintages where that note has appeared so clearly. Plenty of Sassicaia’s signature characteristics, with the balance of black fruits and floral spice, but it’s one that is ready to be enjoyed.

This is the first vintage that bears the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC appellation. In fact, the 1994 Bolgheri Sassicaia represents the first edition of the first single-winery denomination in Italy and this special distinction has never again been duplicated. Furthermore, this release has never been formally reviewed in Robert Parker Wine Advocate. My impression is that the oak integration is less successful in this effort. There is a moment of hollowness on the mid-palate that is subsequently followed by dry and dusty oak tannins. There are few fruit remnants of prune and dried cherry, but promising more than that is a stretch. If you have a bottle, drink it sooner rather than later.

Mid-crimson, but a watery rim. Meaty. Quite tough and stern. Not charming or ready, but true. Bit jewelly/metallic. Needs time! Slightly tough. Slightly furry tannins. Definitely mellower than the 1982. (JR)