Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri DOC Superiore 2023 - [VM 96] [WA 96]

Notes from the Winemaker:
The estate is located approximately 80 miles southwest of Florence, near the medieval
town of Bolgheri. The 2,500-acre estate stretches up from the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the hills, in the heart of Bolgheri amphitheater. The vineyard is at an elevation between 145 and 190 feet above sea level on stony, slightly calcareous soils. Guado al Tasso, meaning literally “Badger’s Ford,” takes its name from the common sight of badgers at the estate where this wine is produced.

About the Wine:
Guado al Tasso 2023 is an intense ruby red color. The nose presents extraordinary intensity with notes of plums, blackberries and blackcurrants that meet hints of tobacco and licorice roots and closes with light notes of mint and blood oranges. The palate impresses for its dense, mouth filling tannic texture and exceptional depth and pleasantness in both the mid palate and finish. The 2023 vintage is enjoyable right out of the gate but at the same time has excellent aging potential.

Climate:
The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri began with mild winter weather and very limited rainfall that caused the vines to break dormancy slightly earlier, beginning on March 20th. Spring brought periods of moderately intense precipitation that required careful vineyard management to keep the vines healthy and vigorous. Beneficial hot, dry weather in the month of July slowed down vegetative growth and provided perfect conditions for veraison and the beginning of the ripening phase. Temperatures in August were consistent with seasonal averages, however, at the end of the month, unstable weather moved in from the Atlantic bringing rain showers and refreshing temperatures that guaranteed optimal conditions for the grapes to progress through the ripening phase. The month of September was sunny and dry allowing grapes to reach peak maturity in all vineyard parcels and producing fruit of exceptional quality. The grape harvest began at the beginning of September with Merlot, continued with Cabernet Franc during the first half of September, and was completed at the end of the month with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinification:
Upon arrival in the cellar, the grapes were sorted on two different occasions, once before destemming and again immediately after to guarantee that only perfectly ripe berries reached fermentation vats. Keeping with tradition, each single vineyard parcel was subdivided into smaller blocks and the grapes were harvested separately based on climate trends and individual characteristics of each grape variety and then fermented separately. Fermentation and maceration took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for 18 - 25 days. After racking operations, the wine was transferred directly into barriques where malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the year. In February, wine from the very best vineyard blocks was selected and the final blend was made. Guado al Tasso was then transferred into new French oak barriques where it was left to age up until bottling which took place in July 2025.

96 Points - Vinous:
The 2023 Guado al Tasso is dynamic and wonderfully complex right out of the gate. I especially admire its energy. Mocha, rose petal, mint, blood orange and red plum race across the palate, all supported by brisk acids. Beams of tannin lend considerable shape and momentum. An impressive wine in every way, the 2023 points to a new standard of finesse at Guado al Tasso. (Drink between 2028-2043)

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

"A carefully calculated blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 26% Merlot, the Marchesi Antinori 2023 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso shows lovely fruit ripeness followed by elegant volume and depth. The wine consistently delivers an all-rounder profile, offering a 360-degree presentation that engages the palate and senses with controlled intensity. In what can be considered an underdog vintage, this bottling stands out with unexpected finesse, confirming the estate’s ability to keep standards high in a classic Bolgheri Superiore expression. Drink 2027-2048."