Antinori Guado Al Tasso

General Information

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. This wine has been produced since 1990 from vineyards on alluvial soils whose composition ranges from clay-sand to clay-loam with rocky deposits know as "scheletro".

Winemaker Notes

The 2016 Guado al Tasso shows an intense ruby red color. The nose expresses pleasant notes of fruit and sweet spices: plums, blueberry jam, leather, licorice root and balsamic sensations. The palate is lengthy and complex, accompanied by supple and elegant tannins.

Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot

98 Points - James Suckling

Beautiful center palate of fruit here with ripe and silky tannins that are resolved and fine-grained. Full-bodied, polished and ever so refined. Oyster shell, stone and hints of rosemary and lavender. Driven finish. Better after 2022.

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This stunning vintage of this landmark wine marks a slight adjustment to the blend. The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Guado Al Tasso is no longer made with Petit Verdot. The blend is now 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and now 20% Cabernet Franc. This small change does not go unnoticed, as this wine is absolutely seamless now—like the finest Asian silk fabric. That profound textural softness and suppleness changes the way the wine smells and tastes, with hints of momentary sweetness that are more tactile than anything else. Generally speaking, the 2016 vintage offers more elegance (slightly less concentration) and a hair more freshness compared to the 2015 edition. When I tasted this wine, the bouquet was still timid, but it will no doubt become more expressive and open as this beautiful wine continues forward along its aging trajectory. Some 120,000 bottles were made, a remarkable feat considering the extreme quality on offer.

96 Points - Decanter

From alluvial soil of mostly clay and sand, Guado al Tasso is Antinori's top Bolgheri wine. It's a classic Bordeaux blend this year without any Petit Verdot - less bold and rich in style than the 2015 but otherwise extremely elegant and drinkable. It's dark and concentrated, opening to aromas of restrained cassis, clean leather and a hint of earthy minerality. The firm yet ripe palate develops flavours of dense, supple brambly fruit and chocolate. It’s a bit warming on the finish but is otherwise extremely well balanced.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

An exuberant style, boasting ripe black cherry and plum notes, with hints of coffee, chocolate and toasty oak. Lush and powerful, with a backbone of muscular tannins for support. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2033.

93 Points - Wine & Spirits

The 2016 Guado al Tasso is ripe and rich, its flavors of dark plum and dried cherries laced with notes of exotic black spices and dark chocolate. With its rich texture and layered complexity, it will be even better after the oak flavors have time to integrate.