Blog

Sassicaia 1985 – The Unicorn Super Tuscan of Bolgheri


The 1985 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is one of those bottles that almost doesn’t feel real anymore. It’s widely considered the “unicorn” Super Tuscan — rare, historic, and the wine that put Bolgheri on the world stage. This is the vintage that truly changed Italian wine.

It was the first Italian wine Robert Parker ever gave 100 points, which instantly pushed Sassicaia into global legend status. Coming from a near-perfect growing season, the 1985 remains one of the most talked-about and hunted-down bottles among serious collectors.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby, still surprisingly vibrant
  • Nose: Cassis, blackberry, cedar, graphite, a touch of violet, and sweet tobacco
  • Palate: Silky layers of dark fruit, spice, herbs, and a beautiful earthy minerality
  • Finish: Long, elegant, and persistent
  • Overall: Bordeaux-like finesse with unmistakable Tuscan character

Why the 1985 Sassicaia Is Iconic

  • First Italian wine to ever receive Robert Parker’s perfect 100-point score
  • Became the benchmark that validated the entire Super Tuscan movement
  • From one of Bolgheri’s greatest vintages
  • Considered one of the top Italian wines of the 20th century
  • Extremely limited in collectible condition
  • A top-tier investment wine with consistent appreciation

Key Details

  • Producer: Tenuta San Guido
  • Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany
  • Classification: Super Tuscan
  • Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant
  • Vintage: 1985
  • Bottle Status: Rare collector vintage — very limited

Collector & Investment Appeal

The 1985 Sassicaia is a centerpiece bottle for serious collectors.

Its rarity and historical importance make it a long-term blue-chip wine, and it remains one of the purest expressions of Italian Cabernet ever made.

Provenance & Storage

Every bottle sourced by Rare Collects goes through full authenticity checks and temperature-controlled storage. Provenance available upon request.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *