Antinori Guado Al Tasso - Bolgheri Superiore 2022

The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC, on the coast of upper Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest from Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history, DOC Bolgheri was approved in 1995 and since then it has become an internationally recognized reference point for the Italian and international winemaking arena.  

The estate covers an area of 320 hectares (790 acres) planted with vines, set in a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the "Bolgheri Amphitheatre" due to its particular shape.  

The vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino Nero and Bianco.  The nearby sea provides a mild climate with constant breezes that mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level of sunlight exposure.

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 again transferred into new French oak barriques where it aged up until bottling which took place in May 2024.

“The 2022 Guado Al Tasso has a saturated purple/magenta color and is 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot. The nose shows off ripe primary fruit of fresh blueberries, blackberries, leather, violets, wet stone, and Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied, it fills the palate but remains fresh and even, with plush, ripe tannins, delicate warming spice, and a long finish. While it has the richness and ripe fruit one comes to expect from this estate, it offers exceptional refinement as well.” - 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

“The Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso (a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot) is an unexpected wine. I was prepared for more overt ripeness but instead was greeted by a delightful mineral note of graphite or lead pencil that gives much needed contouring to this full-bodied Tuscan red. The wine is velvety and richly textured at its core, but it is also seamless with very pleasurable sweetness. All new oak adds hints of vanilla and spice. If you follow this wine, you'll notice that the percentage of Cabernet Franc has been increasing in tiny notches over the years. "Blending is key to achieving balance in a vintage like this," says Marchesi Antinori Managing Director Renzo Cotarella.” - 96 Points, Wine Advocate

“The 2022 Guado al Tasso is laced with hints of plum, espresso, nutmeg, licorice, incense, lavender and dried herbs. Medium in body, with fine persistence and tons of class, Guado al Tasso has a lot to offer. There is a bit of tightness that is a reminder of the challenges of the growing season. A burst of dark fruit, exotic spice and sweet spice punctuates the finale. This is a terrific wine for the year. The blend is 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot. Late-season September rains were especially penalizing for Cabernet Sauvignon, hence the greater presence of Cabernet Franc and Merlot in the blend.” - 94 Points, Vinous

Producer: Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori)

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Bolgheri Superiore

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml