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.

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.

Carolyn scored this wine: 97/100

Amazing! This wine is deep, deep purple in the glass. The nose has layers of complexity, starting with mint, white pepper and opening up to intense peppermint, violets and spices. The palate is silky, smooth with refined tannins. More layers of flavour here. Starts with plush dark fruit and layers in some cedar and mint. The finish is long and lingering.This is a joy to drink with everything going on and no harsh notes anywhere. Was perfect with seared lamb and pistachio cream. Tasted June 2018.

Carolyn scored this wine: 96/100

I thought the Taylor Fladgate 30 year old Tawny was pretty close to perfection, if not perfect, until I tasted the 40 year old. Not to detract from the 30 year old in any way, but the 40 year old is rich and smooth and silky heaven in a glass. The nose and palate are full of hazelnut, vanilla and almond notes. There are no harsh notes, no heat on the nose or palate. The finish is long and warm. This and some salty smoked almonds were a match made in heaven! Tasted February 2018.

Carolyn scored this wine: 96/100

Before I realized I was tasting one of Spain's most iconic wines of modern times my tasting notes were punctuated with asterisks, underlining and exclamation marks and the word Best? This truly is a haunting wine. It is 91% Grenache 8% Carignan, 1% Grenache Blanc, Macabeo and Pedro Ximenez from vines 75-104 years old. It is fragrant, has the freshness from the sea breezes that is difficult to put into words and has the hallmark damp clay/slate aroma. 2014 was a warm year in Priorat with the highest average temperature recorded up till then. Not because of the daytime temperatures but because of the nighttime temperatures. Then the rains came in September. Botrytis affected grapes were removed daily with tweezers. Ripe, individual grapes were hand picked daily with strict selection criteria, then hand sorted. After spontaneous fermentation with its indigenous yeast and spontaneous malolactic fermentation in wooden containers the wine was aged 15 months in Foudres. The wine is elegant, beautifully balanced. There are red fruits, hints of pepper, wet slate. No one thing stands out, they just come to the fore and then morph into the next sensation. Beautiful long finish. Tasted May 2019 www.thewineloverskitchen.com