Saffredi, one of the first super Tuscans, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a vertical tasting conducted by owner, Elisabetta Geppetti of Fattoria Le Pupille and its renowned enologist Christian Le Sommer.
Saffredi is produced from a four hectare vineyard located 12k from the sea in the Maremma region.
In its 20 year history there have been only three consultants: Giacomo Tachis, followed by Riccardo Cotarella and since 2000 Christian Le Sommer, who was previously with Chateau Latour and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite).
Le Sommer recalled at the tasting that when he received the call from Geppetti he had to ask exactly where the vineyard was as the area was not well known at the time.
‘I could not resist the charm and appeal of Elisabetta, a marvellous Italian princess,’ he said.
The tasting provoked much discussion amongst Europe’s leading journalists as the guiding hand of each enologist was clearly seen in the glass.
Highlights of the tasting included:
- The 1987 Saffredi made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.Note: Brick red slightly fading on rim, wonderful expressive nose of evening flowers, lush blue/red fruit, very balanced and elegant, real sense of place.
- 1995 Saffredi 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Alicante.Note: Glorious rich exciting explosion of vibrant fruit layered with dark chocolate and hints of mint, elegant and excellent.
From Le Sommer’s era the 2001 and 2004 stood out:
- Saffredi 2001 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Alicante.Note: Great purity of fruit, concentrated core of explosive blue, red and black fruit, good structure and length with refreshing acidity.
- The 2004, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 10% Alicante.My note simply read: ‘singing and dancing around my palate, glorious power but such elebance, Cassius Clay dancing in the ring. Pefect balance of power and elegance. Bravo.’
