The 2016 Antinori Guado al Tasso Bolgheri is a proprietary blend from Tuscany, Italy, produced by Antinori. This red wine, composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc, has a 14.5% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork. This particular vintage has garnered significant praise from multiple reviewers, earning scores between 94 and 98.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 98 points, highlighting its “beautiful center palate of fruit” and “ripe and silky tannins that are resolved and fine-grained.” He describes the wine as “full-bodied, polished and ever so refined,” noting flavors of “oyster shell, stone and hints of rosemary and lavender” with a “driven finish.” Suckling suggests that this wine will be optimal after 2022 (jamessuckling.com).
Wine Spectator also praised the 2016 vintage, giving it a score of 94. They described it as “an exuberant style, boasting ripe black cherry and plum notes, with hints of coffee, chocolate, and toasty oak.” The wine is noted for being “lush and powerful, with a backbone of muscular tannins for support.” Wine Spectator recommends enjoying this wine from 2021 through 2033 (Wine Spectator).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, another prominent reviewer, echoed Suckling’s high score of 98. Monica Larner noted a slight adjustment in the blend, with Petit Verdot being excluded. She found this change resulted in a “seamless” texture, likening it to “the finest Asian silk fabric.” Larner remarked on the wine’s “profound textural softness and suppleness,” with a bouquet that will “become more expressive and open” as it ages. She noted that 120,000 bottles were produced, a testament to the wine’s exceptional quality (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Decanter awarded the wine 96 points, describing it as “extremely elegant and drinkable” with aromas of “restrained cassis, clean leather, and a hint of earthy minerality.” The wine’s “firm yet ripe palate” develops flavors of “dense, supple brambly fruit and chocolate,” though it is “a bit warming on the finish” (Decanter).
Wine Enthusiast also gave the wine 96 points, characterizing it as “polished” and “savory.” They highlighted aromas of “ripe black-skinned fruit, cedar, and warm spice,” with a palate delivering “juicy blackberry, blueberry, and licorice,” transitioning into a “peppermint close.” The wine’s “smooth, fine-grained tannins” provide an elegant backbone (Wine Enthusiast).
In summary, the 2016 Antinori Guado al Tasso Bolgheri is a highly acclaimed wine that stands out for its elegance, refined tannins, and complex flavor profile, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts.
