Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2021

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Tenuta San Guido
Le Difese 2021

Vintage : 2021
Country : Italy
Region : Tuscany
Subregion
Type : Red
Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 13,5°
Grappes : 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Sangiovese

Experts		Score	Vintage
DCT	Decanter	91	2021
VN	Vinous (Antonio Galloni)	91	2021
WE	Wine Enthusiast	92	2019
JS	James Suckling	91	2018
W&S	Wines & Spirits	91	2016
WS	Wine Spectator	90	2016
RP	Robert Parker	90	2016

More information on wine critics and ratings

Reviews
From the same producer

Decanter (DCT) : 91 Points (2021)

Le Difese in 2021 sports a majority of Sangiovese – 55% – in a break from the traditional 70/30 split in favour of Cabernet Sauvignon. Third-generation at Tenuta San Guido, Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, explained that this decision was made to enhance the wine's 'local Tuscan' character, and to improve its drinkability early on as 'a first step into the Tenuta San Guido world.' While the Cabernet is grown on the estate, the Sangiovese is sourced, as always, from long–term partners based in Chianti Rufina. Bright, incredibly vibrant red, black and blue fruits introduce subtle, finely grained tannins with notes of wood and chocolate. It's at once juicy, tangy and crunchy, with good ripeness and great acidity. Matured for eight months in used barriques.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 91 Points (2021)

The 2021 Le Difese is redolent of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium in body yet nicely layered, the 2021 is impeccably balanced. It is also a sheer delight to taste at this early stage. In many vintages, Le Difese is a fruity, forward wine, but the 2021 has a nervy feeling of classicism that is hugely appealing. It's one of my favorite recent vintages. As it has been for some time, Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate and Sangiovese purchased from several properties in Chianti Classico, with the energy of Sangiovese very much driving the feel in this vintage.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 92 Points (2019)

Made with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Sangiovese, this has enticing aromas of cassis, black tea, violet and wild herbs. Savory and elegantly structured, the medium-bodied palate shows ripe blackberry, star anise and a hint of coffee bean framed in lithe, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink through 2025.

James Suckling (JS) : 91 Points (2018)

A medium-bodied red with plum and cherry character. Walnut and bark undertones. It’s creamy and savory at the finish. Drink now.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 91 Points (2016)

The long, moderate 2016 growing season produced a voluptuous Guidalberto, with velvety tannins and juicy red and black berry flavors. It has no hard edges at all, just ripe fruit flavors and warm earthy tones that emanate an inner energy and freshness. Layered and complex already, this wine has a long life ahead.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 90 Points (2016)

A fresh, vibrant version, offering cherry, strawberry, spice and mineral flavors. Youthful, with assertive tannins, so decant or age short term

Robert Parker (RP) : 90 Points (2016)

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, the 2016 Le Difese shows a more evident touch of ripe fruit that you don't perceive in the Guidalberto, which makes me think it comes from the Sangiovese component that is only used in this wine. The overall effect of that ripeness is that it downplays the wine's inner complexity. But this entry-level red from Tenuta San Guido was never aiming for huge complexity to begin with. Dark cherry and cherry is followed by wild strawberry and tangy rose hip. This wine happily delivers on its promises of freshness and accessibility.