Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2023

2023 was a very good year for the Cabernets, according to Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, who added that a very hot start to August made it more difficult for early-ripening Merlot. As a result, Merlot has been reduced in the blend from 60% to 45%. The rich and glossy red berry, blackberry and black cherry fruit is nicely layered with balsamic herbs, damp earth and lovely mid-palate sapidity, with a creamy undertow which leads to a finish of dark chocolate and bitter herbs. Intense but not overtly concentrated, fresh and poised, there's much to love here – although it will require at least another six months to pull together harmoniously.

This vintage shows a remarkable aromatic profile of Mediterranean herbs, cassis, black cherries, leather and earth with a kind of gamey depth. Full-bodied, it shows velvety, slightly sandy tannins with a firm structure, refreshing integrated acidity and a savory cedar finish. Drinkable now, but best in one or two years.