Tenuta San Guido 2011 & 2013 Le Difese
The Tenuta San Guido is a 7,500-acre estate located in the province of Livorno on the western coastal outskirts of Tuscany near the village of Bolgheri. Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta acquired it through his marriage to Clarice della Gherardesca in 1940. Tenuta San Guido cultivates fruit from several plots scattered around Bolgheri with an annual production of approximately 180,000 bottles. They produce three notable wines Sassicaia, which began in 1944, when Mario Incisa acquired a number of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc vine cuttings and planted them on a sloping hillside of the San Guido estate, the second wine, Guidalberto, was introduced in 2000, and is composed of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 10% Sangiovese, and the most recent addition to the portfolio, Le Difese, is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, which I am tasting today.
I opened the 2011 and recently tasted the 2013 at a wine tasting at one of my favorite wine shops, Stew Leonard’s Wines. Opening the 2011, I noticed a clear deep ruby red color with aromas of ripe dark fruits with some sweet spice. The palate revealed a full-bodied dry wine with medium acidity, and flavors of black cherries and dried fruits, smooth tannins and a slight oaky presence. The ripe fruit flavors are complex yet not overpowering as a number of flavors emerge to a lingering pleasant finish. Shifting to the 2013, the aromas were more concentrated cherry flavors combining some earthy tones and delicate spice, moving to a nice enjoyable finish. For a 2013, this wine is ready to go and enjoy. Both the 2011 & 2013 should age well for 5 years, by why wait, they are very approachable wines. Enjoy now!
Cheers!