New Release: Saffredi 2013

~ Entrance to Fattoria Le Pupille ~

Saffredi is simply sensational.   There is little more that can be said about the quality and passion of Elisabetta Geppetti and the wines Fattoria Le Pupille produces.  We've covered her estate extensively and the production consistently excels across every price point.  Perhaps none other than the aforementioned Saffredi.

The Saffredi vineyard was planted in 1980 and is now almost 36 years old.  Conceived of by Elisabetta's mentor Fredi and his close friend, none other than Giacomo Tachis, the vineyard lies near the town of Magliano and spans approximately 5 hectares.   Unfortunately, Fredi did not live to see the fruits of his labor, and so today, the wine bears the name of the vineyard he helped plant.  

The Saffredi vineyard lies at 250 meters above sea level and is kissed by the breezes from the Mediterranean.  The soils contain high concentrations of minerals and chalk formerly from the ocean floor which imparts a distinct mineral and powder note in the tannin structure of Saffredi.   Elegance and balance are the keys here;  Saffredi is vinified in stainless steel vats and then aged 18 months in French oak before release.  However only 75% of those barrels are new, while 25% have seen one vintage of Saffredi already.  

~ The Fattoria Le Pupille Cellars are state of the art ~

Having long experience with Saffredi,  I was a bit concerned at trying this new release at such a young age,  so I gave it a long decant before dinner.  It's a dark, blackish purple - no doubt assisted by the Petit Verdot,  though I suspect the Cabernet hardly needs the help. 

The 2013 Saffredi is already incredibly aromatic.  Black plums, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf and toast combine seamlessly and while this wine is very pleasing to smell,  it's on the palate where it earns and reinforces its reputation. 

Coating, mouth filling cascades of black fruit, pipe tobacco, minerality, eucalyptus, and rosemary seduce the palate with velvety, elegance.  The plushness and polish of this wine is utterly ethereal and I can't get over how expressive the tactile nature of this wine is at this young age. It is so well balanced that you hardly sense the tannins clamping down at the end.  Will it improve?  Probably.  But it is nothing short of incredible right now.   Hard to keep my hands off my remaining bottles.  97 points.  About $75.  Disclosure: This bottle was a producer provided sample.

~ Saffredi is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot ~

For other reviews of Saffredi please see here: 

The 2007

The 1997 

The 1997 Again

Salute!