Fattoria Le Pupille Toscana Saffredi 2019

Elisabetta Geppetti inherited Fattoria Le Pupille from her father-in-law in 1985. Through passion and determination, she developed the vineyards in southern Maremma from the original 10 acres to nearly 200 today. In 1987, with the help of the late Giacomo Tachis, Geppetti launched Saffredi, a Bordeaux-style blend that has become the estate’s flagship. The original 12-acre Saffredi vineyard was planted in 1985 and 1986; an additional 22 acres were planted on an adjacent hillside between 2006 and 2010. The 2019 comprises 70 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 26 percent Merlot and 4 percent Petit Verdot, aged 15 months in French oak, 70 percent new. It’s the highest-rated Saffredi since the stellar 2004.

Tasting Note

A deep, polished red, whose black currant, blackberry, plum, violet and oak spice aromas and flavors mesh well with the dense structure, showing terrific length. Very focused and balanced, this needs a few years to integrate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2037. 3,000 cases made.—Bruce Sanderson