The 2005 Sassicaia is in a gorgeous spot right now. A super-classic Cabernet Sauvignon bouquet reveals striking nuance as layers of dark fruit begin to unfold on the palate. Smoke, game, licorice, tobacco and menthol add the final shades of nuance. The 2005 doesn't appear to be built for the long haul, but it is very beautiful, complete and rewarding today.

The 2005 vintage was very similar to the 1999 in that it was quite hot, but by 2005 there was a larger surface area of vineyard from which to source grapes. The more recently planted vineyards had come of age, much more so than they had in 1999. The production was not high, and some berries were not perfectly ripe with little green elements, but this gave the Sassicaia team more acidity and brightness. 2005 did not have a great reputation when released because 2004 was a great year and then everyone was excited and waiting to see 2006 and 2007. 'Today 2005 is one of the most requested vintages,' says General Manager Carlo Paoli, 'it’s a good compromise between freshness and concentration.' On the nose it is a little more fragrant with open, sunny, brighter more transparent aromas. On the palate there is an edgy nervosity and tangy, juicy acidity, which I love, together with dry, clipped tannins. The wine still feels energetic and young.

Rich and stately reddish purple. A wine that starts to welcome with open arms, then slowly but surely the tannins tighten their grip. This is an exotic, well structured and well balanced wine that steals up on you. It clearly has a long life ahead of it. Subtle, with notes of black cherry, cedar, grilled rosemary and cigar smoke. Very beautiful, with a caressing structure that promises another good few decades to enjoy.
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Rome, 27 Oct 2016)
Part of Sassicaia wines tasted: 1968 - 2015

Dark ruby in color, showing aromas of currant, new oak and fresh herbs, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with very chewy tannins and an outstanding concentration of fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Needs plenty of bottle age. Best after 2012. 20,000 cases made. JS

The 2005 Bolgheri Sassicaia is more of an extrovert and a fast-burner. It is a reflection of a warm vintage and a more pronounced stylistic signature in terms of its winemaking approach. The effect is very beautiful, indeed, with dried cherry, plum, spice, tobacco and grilled herb. Yet, the overall messaging is focused on power and volume. The background music is hard to hear. Despite its opulence, there's less dimension to behold. Brawn trumps finesse and dark fruit covers the ethereal aromas. It is well built, however, and should hold steady for the next ten years, if not more.