Initial reviews of Sassicaia 2000 were disparaging but now, at 23 years old, it's into its tertiary phase and in full blossom: pronounced scents of toasted fenugreek seed and fragrant dried fruits are accompanied by a hint of new leather and struck match. Intense and with good concentration, it's still remarkably tight and well integrated, tense and vibrant, showing the warmth of the vintage while retaining the freshness. Nutty and meaty notes add interest to a focused core of tangy red fruits, with a stony element developing with time in the glass. Delicious, exotic and captivating. Poured from magnum.

I am happy to see this holding on so well after not tasting it for years. It was always a richer and softer Sassicaia due to the hot growing season. I drank this in Cannes, France, yesterday with some friends and it now shows a soft and delicious character with dried fruits, spice and mushroom and hints of herbs. Full-bodied, silky and velvety. Round and clean. Drink or hold. But wonderful and sassy now.

Shows its class. Loaded with fruit. Rich yet balanced with lots of jammy and plummy character. Full-bodied with round tannins and a silky finish. Exotic. Sass made excellent wine again in a less than easy year. Best after 2006. 16600 cases made. -JS