Tenuta San Guido Le Difese Tuscany 2018

A blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% sangiovese from the estate, Le Difese is made in a fresher, more supple style than the intimidatingly structured flagship, Sassacaia. Offered up as something to quaff whilst the flagship ages in your underground cellar for a decade or more, don’t mistake this as lesser in any way. It is more graceful by design, with a focus on delicate floral notes, juicy and bright red cherries, fresh cedar, and anise. The palate ranges widely, chock full of complex berry and cherry notes, green olives, sanguine mineral notes and finishing touches of espresso and cardamom. The tannins are harmoniously integrated, the acidity lively, culminating in an altogether elegant take on the prototypical Maremma cabernet sauvignon.

Le Difese has been produced by Tenuta San Guido since 2002 as a Toscana IGT, while the estate holds the unique distinction of being the only DOC in all of Italy (named Bolgheri Sassicaia) contained within a single estate. This newer offering from what is arguably Tuscany’s most awarded estate is a worthy addition to any collection. This is Tuscan sunshine in a bottle, with a bit of tempestuousness from ocean-influenced cabernet. Only a handful of these cases are available, so grab ‘em while you can!