1997 Saffredi
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Tasting notes
Consulting enologist Riccardo Cotarella left Fattoria le Pupille in 1998; so, the 1997 Saffredi was made under his tenure. It is 35% Merlot and reveals extra richness and textural density as a result. The rest of the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, and there is a tiny splash of Alicante that gives some spiciness to the bouquet. The stylistic aspiration of this wine embraces softness, extract, concentrated dark fruit, prune, toasted oatmeal and coffee grinds. We opened a second bottle that showed more mineral definition of sandstone and pencil shaving. This remains one of the great vintages in the Saffredi timeline.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1997 Saffredi is another wine that doesn't develop a ton in the glass. The ripe, opulent personality of the vintage is in evidence, but the wine is rather one-dimensional. Grilled herbs, worn-in leather and spices add a touch of nuance on the finish. Ultimately the 1997 is a pretty boring Saffredi, particularly when tasted within the context of more recent vintages.
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Alicante The 1997 spring was already in full swing when in mid-April a sudden cooling of the temperature brought the winter back. The temperature began gradually to increase in May and the summer months were characterised by a hot and dry climate. The harvest was carried out between 10 September and 6 October. 19,000 bottles produced Fattoria Le Pupille’s range increases to make space for the Poggio Argentato (Traminer and Sauvignon Blanc) and for Poggio Valente, Morellino Cru of pure Sangiovese grapes. For Elisabetta this is “the wine of awareness…”. Notably dark crimson with colour right out to the rim. Impressive freshness of fruit on the nose – really tense and exciting. This is the first wine from the beginning that shows real excitement and confidence. Very complete. Not a copy of bordeaux at all – with its own much warmer nuances. But tasted next to the 1999 it seems a bit coarse and galumphing – especially the tannin quality. (JR)
Deep, fresh ruby with a suggestion of garnet at the edge. Cassis, rosemary and sage on the precise nose, fused with vanilla and creme caramel from the oak and a hint of sweet charcoal. Spherical and elegant on the palate, with expressive blackcurrant and plum fruit and impeccable balance. Finishes with polished tannins. Not at all the blockbuster one might expect from a warm-climate cabernet of a superior vintage.