96 points and best ever for Decanter:
2023 was a very good year for the Cabernets, according to Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, who added that a very hot start to August made it more difficult for early-ripening Merlot. As a result, Merlot has been reduced in the blend from 60% to 45%. The rich and glossy red berry, blackberry and black cherry fruit is nicely layered with balsamic herbs, damp earth and lovely mid-palate sapidity, with a creamy undertow which leads to a finish of dark chocolate and bitter herbs. Intense but not overtly concentrated, fresh and poised, there's much to love here – although it will require at least another six months to pull together harmoniously.
They actually rate it just two points behind the 2023 Sassicaia – and above many other vintages (including the legendary 1985, Parker’s first 100-point Italian!).
Also best ever and 96 from Suckling:
This vintage shows a remarkable aromatic profile of Mediterranean herbs, cassis, black cherries, leather and earth with a kind of gamey depth. Full-bodied, it shows velvety, slightly sandy tannins with a firm structure, refreshing integrated acidity and a savory cedar finish. Drinkable now, but best in one or two years.
Also best ever for Wine Align:
The 2023 vintage presented a notably ripe and polished version with ample, mouth-filling palate and broad silky texture, soft and enveloping. Tannins are remarkably subdued and plush even at this early stage - a result of moderate and delicate extraction and high levels of glycerol to coat and soften the palate (13.5% alcohol declared). Fruit straddles the red and black spectrum with little herbal-green to report, just a dash of evergreen/maritime pine/cypress. Wood is likewise nicely integrated and unobtrusive, and length and depth very good to excellent. It upholds the stately, understated and sophisticated profile of San Guido admirably, wines of depth without bombast. Best from 2028-2038.
And finally, best vintage ever for Falstaff:
A rich ruby red with a slight purple hue. Rich on the nose with notes of blackberries and blueberries, cedar, some cigar in the background. Lots of fine tannins on the palate, very polished and elegant, lots of bright fruit, juicy finish.
