Winemaker Notes
#49 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2024
Intense color. The deep concentration of red fruits where the currant predominates evolves into spicy, fresh and balsamic notes. In the mouth, the rich and round body opens up with dense tannins, characterized by a great evolutionary harmony. Fresh, intense and balsamic, its long persistence is leaded by its prominent acidity.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Mesmerizing aromas of sandalwood, lavender, sage and currants. Mint and spearmint. Lead pencil shavings. Light coffee bean too. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins. It goes on for minutes. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, and 10% petit verdot. So approachable already, but this will age beautifully. Best after 2026 and beyond.
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Vinous
The 2021 Saffredi is one of the most vivid, profoundly beautiful wines I have ever tasted from Elisabetta Geppetti. Dark, layered and resonant, the 2021 offers tons of depth and yet remains wonderfully light on its feet. There is a level of finesse here I have never seen before in Saffredi. Blackberry, espresso, lavender, new leather and incense build over time, but it is the wine’s total sense of harmony that leaves me speechless. The 2021 is not a powerhouse—not an obvious wine. For those who can give this time in the glass, it’s a total stunner.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Layered and finessed, and pouring a deep ruby red color, the 2021 Saffredi unfolds in the glass with aromas of cassis, pine needles, polished cedar, wildflowers, and tobacco. The palate is weightless yet full, with velvety tannins and a seamlessly long texture, with its red-fruited highlights focusing further through the finish. It's a gorgeous and refined blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot that was aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak. Drink 2026-2050.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Saffredi is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot that offers seamless integration of dark fruit flavors that bleed directly into spice, Tuscan cigar and earthy iris root. This vintage is compact and firm, especially in terms of mouthfeel, and there are graceful floral tones to close. The winery team has been tweaking the oak regime, landing on 60% to 65% new oak complemented by once-used barrels. They've been working in this manner since 2019 to establish sweet and integrated tannins.
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Wine Spectator
This pure, intense red is infused with black currant, blackberry, blueberry and violet aromas and flavors, accented by graphite and wild herbs. Very tightly wound, racy even, with bracing acidity and refined tannins, this classy red leans more to the elegant side, with terrific harmony and length. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2045.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.