Sassicaia 1996 is widely regarded as one of the absolute benchmarks of Bolgheri and one of the finest Italian wines of the 1990s. Vintage & Context The 1996 vintage in Bolgheri was cool and well-balanced, with marked day–night temperature shifts and slow, even ripening. These conditions favored elegance, aromatic complexity, and exceptional aging potential rather than sheer power. Blend • ~85% Cabernet Sauvignon • ~15% Cabernet Franc Appearance Deep ruby red with garnet highlights, still remarkably vibrant decades later—clear evidence of outstanding structure and longevity.