Tenuta San Guido's entry-level red is the 2020 Le Difese. This blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 55% Sangiovese shows hints of ripe fruit and cherry with wild plum, redcurrant and bitter almond. That element of Sangiovese adds some floral intensity too, which comes across as lilac root or dried violet. That said, you definitely feel the softness and sweetness of the hot-vintage fruit.

This is the entry-level wine from Tenuta San Guido that may (or may not) give us an idea of the fruit character to be found in next year's Bolgheri releases from the same vintage. A big production of 321,000 bottles, the 2018 Le Difese is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon brightened up with a quarter or a third Sangiovese. The wine opens to mid-weight intensity with some leathery or dried tobacco-like notes that give the wine a rather sultry or savory first impression. With a little extra prodding, it starts to offer plummy dark fruit and dried blackberry, something you can serve with a traditional pappardelle alle lepre.

The 2017 Le Difese (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese) meets its immediate goals as an entry level red. This is an easy-drinking Tuscan blend from a warm vintage that shows dark, ripe fruit nuances over a short and lean mouthfeel. That said, I have always thought that more could be done with Le Difese especially considering its Tenuta San Guido pedigree. There is potential here to make this a better wine for sure.