Italy — wine
Bolgheri DOC
Birthplace of the Super Tuscans. Coastal Tuscany, 80km south of Livorno. Mediterranean climate — warm, maritime. Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet Sauvignon in 1944; first commercial release 1971. Ornellaia and Masseto (Merlot — Italy's answer to Pétrus) followed. Sassicaia has its own DOC sub-denomination (Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC). BC importer for Sassicaia: Lifford Wine Agency [NEEDS VERIFICATION].
Benchmark products
Vintage assessments
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | good |
| 2022 | 89 | Very good. Classic Bolgheri warmth. Structured, age-worthy wines. Sassicaia and Ornellaia performing. |
| 2021 | 87 | Very good. Good conditions. Merlot-dominant Masseto especially strong. Younger style, approachable. |
| 2020 | 89 | Very good. Strong year for Cabernet Sauvignon. Coastal influence kept wines fresh. Reliable all estates. |
| 2019 | 91 | Excellent. Masseto, Ornellaia, and Sassicaia all producing wines of outstanding depth and longevity. |
| 2018 | 88 | Very good. Balanced year. Ornellaia and Le Macchiole both strong. Good across all Bolgheri estates. |
| 2017 | 94 | Exceptional Bolgheri. Warm, dry vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon of extraordinary depth. Sassicaia 2017 legendary. |
| 2016 | 91 | Very good. Classic year. Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Masseto all performing to their highest standards. |
| 2015 | 92 | Excellent Bolgheri. Sassicaia and Ornellaia producing structured, age-worthy wines. Bolgheri DOC at finest. |