By Marchesi Antinori
Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore 2023

Wine Description
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. This wine has been produced since 1990 from vineyards on alluvial soils whose composition ranges from clay-sand to clay-loam with rocky deposits known as "scheletro."

Vintage
The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri began with mild winter weather and very limited rainfall, causing the vines to break dormancy slightly earlier, beginning on March 20th. Spring brought periods of moderately intense precipitation that required careful vineyard management to keep the vines healthy and vigorous. Beneficial hot, dry weather in July slowed vegetative growth and provided perfect conditions for veraison and ripening. Temperatures in August were consistent with seasonal averages. However, at the end of the month, unstable weather moved in from the Atlantic, bringing rain showers and refreshing temperatures that guaranteed optimal conditions for the grapes to progress through the ripening phase. September was sunny and dry, allowing grapes to reach peak maturity in all vineyard parcels and producing fruit of exceptional quality. The grape harvest began in early September with Merlot, continued with Cabernet Franc during the first half of September, and concluded at the end of the month with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Production
Upon arrival in the cellar, the grapes were sorted on two different occasions - once before destemming and again immediately after to guarantee only perfectly ripe berries reached fermentation vats. Keeping with tradition, each single-vineyard parcel was subdivided into smaller blocks, grapes were harvested separately based on climate trends and the individual characteristics of each grape variety, and then fermented separately. Fermentation and maceration took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for 18 to 25 days. After racking, the wine was transferred directly into barriques, where malolactic fermentation was completed by the end of the year. In February, wine from the very best vineyard blocks was selected, and the final blend was made. Guado al Tasso was then transferred into new French oak barriques and left to age until bottling in July 2025.

Tasting Notes
Guado al Tasso 2023 has an intense ruby red color. The nose presents extraordinary intensity with notes of plums, blackberries, blackcurrants, hints of tobacco and licorice root, and with light notes of mint and blood oranges. The palate impresses with its dense, mouth-filling tannic texture, exceptional depth, and pleasantness in both the mid palate and finish. The 2023 vintage is enjoyable right out of the gate but also has excellent aging potential.
[Information provided by Marchesi Antinori]

Wine: Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso 2023 
Score/Rating: 97
Suggested Drinking Window: Best from 2029 through 2048
Review Date: 07/15/2026
Reviewed By: Bruce Sanderson
Tasting Notes: Expressive, yet classy rather than flamboyant, this red reveals black currant, blackberry, plum, cedar, vanilla, coffee and graphite aromas and flavors. Builds in intensity midpalate, with its vibrant acidity drifting and farming the endless aftertaste. Superb. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2029 through 2048. [...].

Wine: 2023 Tenuta Guado Al Tasso Guado Al Tasso
Score/Rating: 97
Suggested Drinking Window: 2027 - 2050
Review Date: 05/07/2026
Reviewed By: Audrey Frick
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Guado al Tasso, composed of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 26% Merlot, pours an opaque purple/red hue and is somewhat reserved on opening before revealing layered aromatics of graphite, plum, ink, and dark cocoa. Full-bodied, it’s lush and polished, with velvety tannins, supple richness, and a seamless texture throughout. Despite challenges with peronospora earlier in the season, the harvest conditions allowed for excellent fruit quality. This is a strong, balanced vintage with the structure to age gracefully. Drink 2027-2050.

Wine: Marchesi Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado Al Tasso 2023
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: Drinkable now, but best from 2027
Review Date: 05/26/2026
Reviewed By: Aldo Fiordelli, Senior Editor
Tasting Notes: A pristine wine with bright and ripe cassis, eucalyptus, vibrant citrus and graphite on the nose. On the full-bodied palate it shows supple, velvety tannins and crisp acidity with a good, tight, polished finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.

Wine: 2023 Guado al Tasso
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: 2028 - 2043
Review Date: 04/2026
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Guado al Tasso is dynamic and wonderfully complex right out of the gate. I especially admire its energy. Mocha, rose petal, mint, blood orange and red plum race across the palate, all supported by brisk acids. Beams of tannin lend considerable shape and momentum. An impressive wine in every way, the 2023 points to a new standard of finesse at Guado al Tasso.

Wine: 2023 Marchesi Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: 2027 - 2048
Review Date: 02/05/2026
Reviewed By: Monica Larner
Tasting Notes: A carefully calculated blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 26% Merlot, the Marchesi Antinori 2023 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso shows lovely fruit ripeness followed by elegant volume and depth. The wine consistently delivers an all-rounder profile, offering a 360-degree presentation that engages the palate and senses with controlled intensity. In what can be considered an underdog vintage, this bottling stands out with unexpected finesse, confirming the estate’s ability to keep standards high in a classic Bolgheri Superiore expression.

Wine: Antinori, Guado al Tasso Superiore 2023 Bolgheri
Score/Rating: 17/20
Suggested Drinking Window: 2028 - 2040
Review Date: 03/26/2026
Reviewed By: Jancis Robinson
Tasting Notes: A blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 26% Merlot. Aged for 18 months in barriques. Deep, shaded garnet. Well-constituted, serious nose. Polished tannins. Velvety texture. A little heat on the end but very winning and with a good balance of fruit, acidity and tannin. No one could object to this. (JR)