2001 Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore

Of the wines in this flight, the 2001 Bolgheri Guado al Tasso gave the most immediate pleasure. This wine is seductive, supple and soft thanks to its dark cherry, ripe fruit, exotic spice, cassis, grilled herb, crushed mineral and sweet chewing tobacco. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (with smaller parts Merlot and Syrah). It shows integrity, conservation and purity. In fact, this edition of Guado al Tasso tastes a bit younger than it really is. There's nothing to not like here. The quality of fruit is forceful but pristine, and the mouthfeel is nicely layered and long in length. In the greater scheme of things, Antinori's landmark wine is slightly less complex than some of the great wines also presented at this Masterclass--but that gap is minimal. This is an impressive wine and if you have bottles in your cellar, you can count on it to award great pleasure and overall satisfaction.

Excellent deep crimson – very healthy looking. Very good vintage. In all Antinori wines except Solaia, they extended maceration. Much more concentrated and mineral on the nose than the 1998 – seems much much more youthful. Almost salty. Pretty big and bold! But velvety and fun. Lots of tannin and muscle! Still a little dusty but there is (just) enough freshness on the end. A pretty dramatic wine! Should be long lived. (JR)

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah and other varieties.   Deep crimson. A little bit of oak in evidence. Less concentrated than some. Slighlty leafy with a tiny hint of sweet vanilla oak. A bit of heat on the finish. (JR)