1967 Sassicaia

Since the first commercial vintage was 1968, this one must have been bottled for the family’s own consumption. It was bought at auction in London by Roberson’s, who organised this tasting, for around £550, but Sebastiano Rosa confirmed the family still had a few bottles in the cellar. Cloudy and slghtly tawny but still some red colour in there. Lovely fresh herbal nose. Some undergrowth but also mushrooms and sweetness of plum. Bitter orange marmalade though dry tasting. Sweet, mixed dried peel orange flavours and spice. So very fresh and not dried out. Even juicy on the finish. Very long – still has some tightness about its structure – far from falling over. After 10 minutes: more perfumed, even slightly floral and touch of liquorice. And seems to become richer and deeper on the palate. Didn’t fall over at all even after 20 mins. Just becomes a little more leathery. Lots of fruit density even though the flavours are all tertiary. Finishes long and fresh. (JH)