2022 Le Difese Tenuta San Guido

The 2022 Le Difese is plump, juicy and expressive, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Crushed flowers, succulent red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood orange all race across the palate. This exuberant yet mid-weight coastal Tuscan red is a total pleasure bomb. The 2022 is an especially fine edition. It benefits from a warm year - which can be a positive for entry-level wines - earlier bottling and selection. Le Difese is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (both estate and non-estate sites) and Sangiovese, all purchased.

Juicy and intriguing from the start in the sensory profile showing notes of plums, lavender, agapanthus flowers, white musk, cherries and lemon peel. Medium bodied, rounded tannins of optimum quality and a tasty, linear finale which closes in the best possible manner. Absolutely decisive and engaging.

The 2022 Le Difese is made with 60% Sangiovese and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and includes some grapes purchased from the Chianti in Ruffina to enhance the wine’s aromatic profile and freshness. The grapes see maceration on the skins for 15 days, then are aged in used barrels for eight months. Deep ruby with a tinge of light purple, this 2022 is aromatic of anise, fresh leather, and spiced cherries. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has ripe tannins, with a clean mineral touch. It’s approachable and offers a supple texture with an open drinking window over the coming 6-8 years.

Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to the currant and orange character on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crunchy tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crunchy and energetic personality. Give it a year or two to come together, but it’s showing brightness for the vintage.