93 point

The 2023 Le Difese includes Sangiovese from Montosoli and Rufina in Chianti Classico in the blend. The nose is fresh and pure, with a juicy, floral perfume of fresh red berries, violets, and wet stone. It’s fresh and inviting on the palate, with the very pretty elegance that the Sangiovese brings with its more defined structure and refreshing feel. This is a fabulous entry wine to drink over the coming 8-10 years.

92 point

A tangy raspberry and pomegranate attack is followed by some ripe dark fruits wrapped in soft, open-knit tannins. Tenuta San Guido sources the Sangiovese for Le Difese from family friends in nearby Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Rufina, but as a result of the widespread peronospora (downy mildew) in 2023, the percentage has dropped from 70% in 2022 to 65% in the 2023. It doesn't seem to have slowed its momentum, however, as it bristles with energy. Bright and well balanced, it's a delicious introduction to the estate.

Frisk og ligefrem næse med røde kirsebær, solbær og et strejf af peber og urter. I munden saftig og tilgængelig med lette tanniner, god frugt og en enkel, ren afslutning uden tung fadpåvirkning.

92P+: I still remember tasting the maiden 2002 Le Difese release and the 2023 is every bit as exciting, 21 years later. A blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon in 2023, the aromatics show a delicately perfumed red and black berry melange with attractive notes of pressed violets, red cherries, raspberries and crushed mulberries that melt into more subtle hints of black currant and salty black liquorice. There is a thrilling energy and brightness to the palate that resonates with vibrant tart red cherry, sour plum and tangy, salty black berry notes before finishing cool and fresh with a fine grained stony phenolic grip. Lovely concentration and an impressive acid structure make this another seductive ‘must-buy’ wine from the Sassicaia stable.

91 point

The 2023 Le Difese is a gorgeous wine from Tenuta San Guido. Fresh, aromatic and inviting, the 2023 is all charm. Floral notes meld into a core of crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice and white pepper. Medium in body and gracious, Le Difese is an absolute delight. As always, Le Difese is a blend of deselected lots from Sassicaia and Guidalberto, plus some purchased Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2023, Sangiovese was challenged by the growing season, so the blend includes more Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an impressive effort for a year that required constant vigilance in the vineyard because of frequent rain and elevated disease pressure.