The expectation surrounding the 2006 vintage in Tuscany has been building ever since the grapes were first pulled off the vines. And according to the scores from the first major report on the region, by Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate, the wines have delivered.
Galloni is effusive in his praise: “Readers who enjoy the best Tuscany has to offer will find no shortage of compelling wines at virtually all price points… the vintage offers incredible quality from top to bottom in all of the region’s main appellations.”
He goes on to describe the wines as possessing “breathtaking richness” in a style that “marries ripeness with structure to a degree that has seldom, if ever, been seen in Tuscany”.
Overall, his scores are extremely good, particularly for the Super Tuscans, which hit a number of historical highs. Masseto (99 points) and Ornellaia (97 points) were awarded their best scores ever by the publication, Macchiole Messorio (98 points), achieved its joint highest score (the same as in the 1997 and 1999 vintages), while Redigaffi (97 points) achieved its best score since the millennium.
It is the score, however, for perhaps the most famous of the Super Tuscans, Sassicaia, that is arguably the most interesting. Its score of 97 places the vintage behind only the legendary 100-point 1985. Also, with around 20,000 cases produced each year, Sassicaia is more easily obtainable than its peers.
The 2006 Sassicaia has been trading well on the exchange, hitting a price of just over £1,000 a case. Although this seems high, a quick look back at previous vintages would suggest it still has some way to go. It remains cheaper than the wines of the late 90s, often by some margin. In the short to medium term the 1998 looks a likely target. Over a longer period, the 1997 is surely not out of reach?
*Liv-ex Best List Price for a 12x75cl case in-bond.
All scores from www.erobertparker.com. Scores from 2003-2006 are by Antonio Galloni, 2000 by Daniel Thomases and 1985-1999 by Robert Parker.
