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Carolyn Hetke

Carolyn Hetke

Sassicaia 2019

Bolgheri-Sassicaia, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy
52 days ago

Carolyn scored this wine: 97/100

The 2019 Sassicaia initial impression is that of a cool coastal breeze; moisture laden freshness with a tinge of salinity. The anise and gentle savoury notes come later. The palate is elegant with gentle plum, mushroom and a light earthiness. Tannins are dusty and fine. All this is elegance, finesse and silkiness flow from start to finish. Pasta with truffle accents, arancini or tenderloin with a bordelaise sauce would all be welcome with a glass or two of this delightful Bolgheri.

Sassicaia 2020

Bolgheri-Sassicaia, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy
52 days ago

Carolyn scored this wine: 96/100

2020 was a warmer year than 2019 or 2021 and it translates in the 2020 Sassicaia to a more open nose with fresh, light earth tones under plum and violet notes. The palate is more open as well, offering up gentle plum in a silky stream. The balance and delicateness are most admirable. Oak is used so judiciously the tannins are fine and polished; only making their appearance on the satisfying finish. Pair with a beef braise over bay leaf pilaf.

Sassicaia 2021

Bolgheri-Sassicaia, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy
52 days ago

Carolyn scored this wine: 98/100

The 2021 Sassicaia comes from an excellent vintage and exemplifies exactly what Tenuta San Guido is looking for, according to Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta. The nose was still tight despite being double decanted for three hours. Nevertheless, you are met with a refreshing breath of moisture-laden meadow scents; hints of lavender and violets and some delicate savoury notes. The palate is equally fresh with light plum notes. The balance and the finesse of the palate are exquisite and you are rewarded with a delicate, lingering finish. Enjoy this wine with beef or duck with a light thyme scented jus.

Guidalberto

Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2017

Tuscany I.G.T., Italy
52 days ago

Carolyn scored this wine: 92/100

The 2017 vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend has a rich nose that opens with muted red fruits and fresh wet stones. A hint of barnyard floated up with a bit of coaxing. The palate is delightfully fresh with restrained fruit and very fine, polished tannins. A silky palate makes this another highly drinkable example from the Tenuta San Guido lineup. Enjoy with duck breast with a Cabernet reduction.

Guidalberto

Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2022

Tuscany I.G.T., Italy
52 days ago

Carolyn scored this wine: 91/100

The 2022 vintage is a 40/60 Cabernet Sauvignon /Merlot blend and demonstrates a change in focus, to be an approachable wine but with the ability to age. International brand ambassador Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta points out that she thinksthe Guidalberto brand deserves to be considered in its own right, rather than being considered the second wine of the estate, after the famed Sassicaia.The 2022 opens with a refreshing nose of plum, red fruit and violets over hints of savoury bracken. The palate is well-balanced with elegant fruit, very polished tannins and just a hint of bitter almond on the finish. It is still tightly wound so decant for several hours or cellar for a couple of years. Enjoy with soft cheeses like Taleggio or red wine risotto.

Carolyn Hetke

Food BloggerVisit Carolyn's Website

Memorable Wine

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape we had with dinner at Château des Fines Roches. I admit the ambiance probably had a lot to do with the 'memorable' part!

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First Wine

Probably Baby Duck but in all fairness it would have been at the kid's table at Christmas!

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Unusual Wine Experience

Exploring an organic Tuscan winery where there was literally inches of mould on the bottles.

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Current Fav Wine

Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux.....That is like asking a mother to choose their favourite child!

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award