WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Intense black fruit aromas and flavors as well as the vanilla and spice of oak in a full-bodied wine with supple tannins.
Blend: 65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
TASTING NOTES:
The 2023 Le Difese includes Sangiovese from Montosoli and Rufina in Chianti Classico in the blend. The nose is fresh and pure, with a juicy, floral perfume of fresh red berries, violets, and wet stone. It’s fresh and inviting on the palate, with the very pretty elegance that the Sangiovese brings with its more defined structure and refreshing feel. This is a fabulous entry wine to drink over the coming 8-10 years.
- Jeb Dunnuck, 93 pts.
A tangy raspberry and pomegranate attack is followed by some ripe dark fruits wrapped in soft, open-knit tannins. Tenuta San Guido sources the Sangiovese for Le Difese from family friends in nearby Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Rufina, but as a result of the widespread peronospora (downy mildew) in 2023, the percentage has dropped from 70% in 2022 to 65% in the 2023. It doesn't seem to have slowed its momentum, however, as it bristles with energy. Bright and well balanced, it's a delicious introduction to the estate.
- Decanter, 92 pts.
The 2023 Le Difese is a gorgeous wine from Tenuta San Guido. Fresh, aromatic and inviting, the 2023 is all charm. Floral notes meld into a core of crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice and white pepper. Medium in body and gracious, Le Difese is an absolute delight. As always, Le Difese is a blend of deselected lots from Sassicaia and Guidalberto, plus some purchased Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2023, Sangiovese was challenged by the growing season, so the blend includes more Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an impressive effort for a year that required constant vigilance in the vineyard because of frequent rain and elevated disease pressure. (EG)
- Vinous, 91 pts.
A bright, fragrant and fruity wine with aromas of red cherries, violets and forest floor. Juicy and crisp on the palate, with a light to medium body and chalky tannins. Medium length and very fragrant. Easy drinking. Second wine of Sassicaia. Drink now.
- James Suckling, 90 pts.
