The 2000 Guidalberto represents the first vintage ever made, and is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese. This wine came into being for several reasons. First, production of Sassicaia had begun to grow during the boom years of the late 1990s and Tenuta San Guido needed to create a new home for the extra Cabernet Sauvignon. Second, the Incisa della Rochetta family had been long contemplating enlarging its portfolio. Third, efforts by Gaja, Masseto and other in Bolgheri brought legitimacy to Merlot. Guidalberto, a Toscana IGT, was born and production started at 30,000 bottles. This was a classic vintage and the wine shows dark berry, licorice and spice. It's an evolved expression with strong tertiary characteristics that are savory and dry. Scorched earth and autumnal tones give the wine a touch of rusticity. If you have a bottle, you should enjoy it now.

Starts with a confusing nose of tobacco, smoked ham and overt leather and animal aromas; a staid, simple wine this is not. The palate, which has a feel that’s thick and chewy, is bulked up with baked black fruits. The finish, meanwhile, is dark, with berry flavors and fading spice. The blend is Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese. ——M.S.(10/1/2004)—— 89