2003 Saffredi
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Saffredi is an excellent choice for drinking today and over the next few years. The heat of the vintage comes through in the wine's richness but there is plenty of acidity and structure to guarantee a number of years of very fine drinking. Stylistically, the 2003 is rather extroverted, particularly in its up-front, jammy fruit, yet all of the elements come together beautifully in the glass. Scorched earth, worn-in leather and spices add considerable complexity to this superb, pedigreed Saffredi. In 2003 Saffredi is more interesting than the estate's Poggio Valente, much of which can be attributed to Cabernet's greater ability withstand the rigors of the excessively hot growing season.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Le Pupille's 2003 Saffredi (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 15% Alicante) is simply gorgeous. Fat, opulent and open, it presents generous notes of super-ripe fruit, toasted oak and minerals with outstanding length as well as balance. Highly appealing even now, it will deliver much pleasure for next five to seven years, perhaps longer.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Alicante After a rainy winter, the spring of 2003 was good, and the vegetation developed well. Summer, which arrived at the end of May, was quite hot, with reduced day-night temperature excursions. Only the maturity of the vineyard, coupled with careful canopy and bunch management, and the few drops of rain that fell in early September, allowed us to obtain a high quality harvest. Harvest: The first half of October. 23,000 bottles produced Deep crimson but with a pale rim. Tangy, almost ‘burnt’ nose. Thick and dense with such a charge of fruit that it almost distracts from the very dry tannins. This wine seems more marked by 2003’s particular qualities than many of the best 2003 Chiantis – presumably because there was no hope of cool nights at this low altitude. Very hot and boiled. Not my style. To be drunk quite young with strongly flavoured food? (JR)
Le Pupille’s 2003 Saffredi (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 15% Alicante) is simply gorgeous. Fat, opulent and open, it presents generous notes of super-ripe fruit, toasted oak and minerals with outstanding length as well as balance. Highly appealing even now, it will deliver much pleasure for next five to seven years, perhaps longer. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2015. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799