Zensa, Nero d’Avola, Sicilia 2020

Le Difese 2024 from Tenuta San Guido is another reminder that the estate does not rely on long cellar ageing to produce a serious wine. While Sassicaia and Guidalberto take much of the attention, Le... Difese has become the smart buy, offering the character of the estate in a more immediate and supple style. The 2024 vintage focuses on purity, blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese to emphasise freshness and drinkability. Keeps a bright and energetic profile and is drinking from delivery. Approachable from release yet unmistakably San Guido, Le Difese delivers balance, clarity of fruit and a polished structure that makes it one of the most versatile wines in Bolgheri. "The barrels used here are second- and third-fill Guidalberto oak, which adds immeasurably to this wine’s class. Time has certainly tempered their woody quality and brought unmistakable warmth and discreet spice notes to this wine. The fruit is more forward than the mighty 2023, and yet despite the slightly slender framework, the balance is perfect, and the juiciness is lip-smacking. Production is around 375,000 bottles per year, so there ought to be enough to go around, but the restaurant trade is usually the first focus here, so if you fancy some for your dining room table (as opposed to your cellar, as this wine is ready to go), get in quick! The tannins are fully ripe, and I cannot see this wine evolving much over its life, given that it is already showing superb refinement and complexity. Place your orders now. The fair pricing usually makes this a steal!" 17.5/20 points. Drink now–2032. Matthew Jukes Carlo Paoli, Head of Winemaking at Tenuta San Guido; “A soft and youthful wine that also includes selected lots from Sassicaia and Guidalberto. Its approachable style and delicate structure make it extremely enjoyable even in the early months of bottle ageing.”