Antinori Guado Al Tasso 2016 (750ML)

98 VM / 98 WA / 98 JS / 96 DE

The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is dark, powerful and explosive, with a huge backbone of tannin that gives the wine its vertical feel and soaring intensity. Blackberry, graphite, chocolate, spice, menthol, licorice, cedar and lavender add to the wine's brooding, intense feel. A vibrant, substantial finish rounds things out in style. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 is an infant, but it is utterly breathtaking, even in the early going. - Antonio Galloni

This stunning vintage of this landmark wine marks a slight adjustment to the blend. The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Guado Al Tasso is no longer made with Petit Verdot. The blend is now 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and now 20% Cabernet Franc. This small change does not go unnoticed, as this wine is absolutely seamless now—like the finest Asian silk fabric. That profound textural softness and suppleness changes the way the wine smells and tastes, with hints of momentary sweetness that are more tactile than anything else. Generally speaking, the 2016 vintage offers more elegance (slightly less concentration) and a hair more freshness compared to the 2015 edition. When I tasted this wine, the bouquet was still timid, but it will no doubt become more expressive and open as this beautiful wine continues forward along its aging trajectory. Some 120,000 bottles were made, a remarkable feat considering the extreme quality on offer. Monica Larner

Beautiful center palate of fruit here with ripe and silky tannins that are resolved and fine-grained. Full-bodied, polished and ever so refined. Oyster shell, stone and hints of rosemary and lavender. Driven finish. Better after 2022. James Suckling

From alluvial soil of mostly clay and sand, Guado al Tasso is Antinori's top Bolgheri wine. It's a classic Bordeaux blend this year without any Petit Verdot - less bold and rich in style than the 2015 but otherwise extremely elegant and drinkable. It's dark and concentrated, opening to aromas of restrained cassis, clean leather and a hint of earthy minerality. The firm yet ripe palate develops flavours of dense, supple brambly fruit and chocolate. It’s a bit warming on the finish but is otherwise extremely well balanced. Drinking Window 2019 – 2040 A.F. Decanter.com