2005 Saffredi
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Tasting notes
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Syrah. Spring was within the norm, with a regular vegetative development of the vines. Summer was hot with good diurnal temperature variation. Between the end of August and mid September, there were brief rains and the weather was unusually humid. The conditions favoured only those vineyards located on hillsides and those winemakers expert in leaf-canopy management. After mid September the weather improved, allowing the grapes to ripen well. Harvest between 12 September and 1 October. 24,000 bottles produced. Blackish garnet. Interesting, quite complex evolution on the nose. A little dried-fruit character. More rain needed? Definitely needs food. This is very much a warm-climate wine, not quite as interesting as some, with rather dried tannins and acidity on the end. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Saffredi is a revelation. Talk about a wine that has developed far better than I had ever hoped. A lightweight feminine wine when it was released two years ago, the 2005 Saffredi has grown into a rich, dark red packed with fruit. The 2005 doesn't have the character or complexity of the finest vintages but it has more than enough depth to drink well for many years. This is a fabulous wine from a slightly lesser vintage that has the potential to continue to improve from here. Pretty floral notes linger on the impeccable finish.
The top of the line 2005 Saffredi is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante that spent 18 months in French oak. It possesses notable elegance and finesse in its sweet dark fruit, tobacco, leather, spices and toasted oak. This mid-weight, classy Saffredi doesn't have the freshness and power of the 2004, but it is much more pleasurable today. It looks to be a relatively early-maturing wine to enjoy while the 2004 ages.
The top of the line 2005 Saffredi is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Alicante that spent 18 months in French oak. It possesses notable elegance and finesse in its sweet dark fruit, tobacco, leather, spices and toasted oak. This mid-weight, classy Saffredi doesn’t have the freshness and power of the 2004, but it is much more pleasurable today. It looks to be a relatively early-maturing wine to enjoy while the 2004 ages. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti has been making terrific wines for some time, but she hit the bulls-eye in 2004 with her Saffredi. The rest of the wines in this line-up are convincing as well. Importer: Henriot Inc, New York, NY; tel. (212) 605 6706