($190; 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% cabernet franc) Dark ruby-red. Appealing smoky, minerally aromas of red cherry, blackcurrant and plum, with a hint of truffle. Quite suave on entry, then smooth and fine-grained, with good mineral lift to the decidedly sweet red fruit flavors. This broad, rich and supple wine boasts tremendous length and silky-sweet tannins. A great Sassicaia that falls roughly between the '88 and the '85 in style at the similar stage of development, although I'm not sure the new vintage will attain the heights reached by those earlier wines.

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'Big and rustic in its early stages’, said technical director Sebastiano Rosa. More herbal and perfumed and open than the 2006. Black olives – very similar to the 2003 Guidalberto in vintage characteristics. Savoury and mouthwatering on the palate. Dry, savoury length. Like a food. Very satisfying and nourishing. Tannins seem to have more grip than the 2006, less refined, less mineral. More rustic and a little drier on the finish than the 06. (JH)

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Ample, sweet and expansive, the 2003 Sassicaia offers generous notes of sweet dark fruit intermingled with notes of spices, herbs, earthiness and smoke in a full-bodied, opulent expression of this wine. It is an outstanding effort for the vintage. Some cellaring is suggested although with air this wine is drinking beautifully right now.

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Lots of raspberry and cherry on the nose. Full-bodied and chunky with lots of fruit and a long, velvety finish. Hints of new wood. Big and juicy Sassicaia. Very well done for the vintage. 15,000 cases made.

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