Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore 2023 750ml

The 2023 Guado al Tasso composed of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Cabernet Franc and 26% Merlot pours an opaque purple/red hue and is somewhat reserved on opening before revealing layered aromatics of graphite plum ink and dark cocoa. Full-bodied it’s lush and polished with velvety tannins supple richness and a seamless texture throughout. Despite challenges with peronospora earlier in the season the harvest conditions allowed for excellent fruit quality. This is a strong balanced vintage with the structure to age gracefully. Drink 2027-2050. The wines for this report were tasted with winemaker Marco Ferrarese at the winery located in the heart of Bolgheri as well as in repeat tastings with the Consorzio. In addition to readers exploring the Guado Al Tasso wines if visiting the region and or the estate I highly recommend making a stop at the estate’s restaurant on Via Bolgherese Osteria del Tasso. In a highly unusual turn of events I happened to have a spare 30 minutes to pop in for lunch without a reservation one afternoon between visits and it was even with such limited time constraints one of the dining highlights from my trip.

Expressive yet classy rather than flamboyant this red reveals black currant blackberry plum cedar vanilla coffee and graphite aromas and flavors. Builds in intensity midpalate with its vibrant acidity drifting and farming the endless aftertaste. Superb. Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2029 through 2048.

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.

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.