Community Tasting Note

• JonnyG Likes this wine: 92 points

  February 28, 2015 - A Matter of Taste: London Edition (Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea): This was graciously poured by Elisabetta Geppetti, who was probably looking for a well-deserved break by this point! While clearly a remarkable wine, this was not its best showing, I’m afraid, coming across as a touch green, and very tannic, without either silkiness or power; I thought is was the Syrah dominating on the nose, with pepper and restrained fruit, and later learned through the kind help of CT member Lipsman that this was the first year they used Syrah rather than Alicante; rich, red fruit on the palate; fully integrated oak.

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5 Comments

• Lipsman commented:

  3/1/15, 3:07 PM - Syrah? If you say you taste something like syrah, then you do but the grape isn't in Saffredi. From the Fattoria Le Pupille website: "Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot."
  
  Thanks for the note. Cheers!

• JonnyG commented:

  3/1/15, 7:52 PM - How odd, Lipsman. I seem to recall seeing it listed on the bottle, cannot be sure of course. I mentioned it to Elisabetta and had the impression she agreed (could have just been that she was being polite). I double-checked Galloni's review and he, too, mentions Syrah. In any case, thank you for taking the time to comment. All the best!

• Lipsman commented:

  3/1/15, 8:12 PM - Interesting. My 2004 dmag just says "red wine". My 2006 750ml bottles say, "predominately cabernet sauvignon and merlot." So maybe there is some syrah. The website links to a PDF file about the wine, including the grapes, hectares, etc. It could easily be out of date. If Ms. Geppetti, Galloni and you all say syrah, that's good enough for me! I learned something today. Thanks.
  
  --Jeff

• JonnyG commented:

  3/1/15, 8:30 PM - Jeff, you piqued my curiosity! A quick Google search took me to K&L's website, which attributed this gem to Galloni of all people: "The 2004 is the first Saffredi in which Alicante was replaced with Syrah." I've edited the review and, presumptuously but hope you don't mind, credited you, with appreciation.

• Lipsman commented:

  3/1/15, 9:07 PM - LOL. I'm honored.
  
  I never would have guessed Alicante either. I've had the 1994, which Galloni pans but I thought was marvelous, and never imagined Alicante. I thought it was a Cabernet-Chianti blend like other Super Tuscans. Who knows what else is in those bottles? Now I have cases of Saffredi in the cellar made with Syrah, all because I liked the Saffredi made with Alicante! My head is spinning. I usually wait until a wine is 15 years old before cracking a bottle. I think I'll sample one of the Saffredis with my new Coravin before buying any more... I've been to school today, Jonny. Hah!

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