- Compared to the Flaccia 06, which we drank on the side, it was somewhat more restrained, but also more feminine with predominantly dark fruit and lots of tertiary flavours of meat, leather, chocolate and earth. - Very nice on the palate, certainly at its peak here and with lots of meaty to leathery flavours. Some red and dark fruit can still be recognised behind this. The acidity is still fun (medium +). On the palate, the complexity is not at the highest level but is really fun to drink if you are a fan of tertiary flavours. The length is also great (medium + to long). - Should definitely be drunk now, 94 points
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clearly not the best bottle, the cork broke completely while opening.
clear signs of ageing, imo this bottle was "over the hill" and not really enjoyable anymore. lots of tobacco, saw dust and tar.
be careful with very old (super) tuscans. made different bad experiences with the longevity. open them rater sooner than later and observe the maturing process.
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- no decanting - Nose: Quite intense dark fruit aromas of black cherries and berries. With very mature notes, tobacco, coffee and Cabernet spice. Has a touch of port. - Palate: More advanced on the palate with lots of tobacco and spice flavours. The acidity is medium and so are the tannins. Has good length but the 1999 Saffredi is probably past its peak, for me at least the drinking pleasure is somewhat lacking. The bottle comes from a very good cellar and was bought initially. I had a 2000 vintage a good 10 months ago, which came from the same cellar fresher and younger.
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not blind A bit disappointing, too evolved, some malty notes, not oxidized but I missed the opulence and the fun in the wine. After one hour in the decanter getting fresher and with a hint of mint and eucalyptus. 90
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coravinned 2 glasses with pizza. color is still dark but cloudy. no noticeable tannin -- fruit in the background -- was very nice. lots of sediment. balanced and medium bodied.
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Texas Wine School, Kings of Italy Class. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Decanted for a couple of hours. Deep ruby with garnet hues. The nose is complex, with earth, leather, lots of French oak-induced vanilla and coffee aromas which compete with the ripe blackberry, red cherry, black currant. The palate is dry, with generous fruit, medium to medium (+) acidity, tannins and alcohol (13.5%). The palate is consistent with the nose and very well balanced, with a long, smooth, polished finish and a rich mouthfeel. It is probably at its peak.
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A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%) and Petit Verdot (10%). 13,5% alcohol.
Luminous and thoroughly translucent ruby red color with a little bit of developed mahogany hue. The nose is remarkably powerful and concentrated with somewhat tertiary aromas of smoke-cured beef, licorice, allspice, some pruney dark fruits, a little bit of dried blackcurrants and a hint of alcohol. The wine is moderately gull-bodied, rich and quite dense on the palate with nicely developed, silky mouthfeel and layered flavors of ripe blackcurrants, somewhat wizened dark fruits, some baking spices, a little bit of licorice and a hint of savory oak spice. The wine feels very harmonious with its moderately high acidity and ample yet fully resolved, silky tannins. The finish is long, rich and velvety smooth with flavors of ripe dark berries, some plummy fruits, a little bit of rough peppery spice, a hint of sweet strawberry-driven red fruit and a touch of dried figs.
A very stylish, harmonious and beautifully resolved Bordeaux imitation from Maremma. Although I could've liked a bit more structure in the acid and tannin departments, the wine is still very harmonious and all in all very pleasant. What it lacks most, is distinction and character, but that seems to be a greater problem with the Maremma wines - not a real fault of this particular wine. All in all an enjoyable effort, showing how nicely the best Maremmas from great vintages can age. Most likely won't develop much from here, but probably will keep for years more. Drink or keep for a little while more.
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Decanted, as it is throwing off a lot of sediment. Consistent with my March 2016 tasting note, except that it is now showing more leather and earth. It was till one of the more impressive wines of the evening, but - if this is a representative bottle - I would consume it earlier than previously indicated.
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Decanted for two hours. Consistent with my 3/15/16 tasting note. It is surprising how relatively youthful and generous the fruit is, despite its age. In fact, it is still delightful five days after being opened and decanted! This was by many accounts the WOTN at the Luxury Italians class.
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My last bottle of this Tuscan gem. The cork disintegrated on the way out - not a good sign - and unfortunately, it was very slightly corked. Still drinkable, and with several hours of air improved almost to the point where you didn't notice. What a shame.
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In a blind tasting, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot could easily be mistaken for a high end Right Bank Bordeaux. This was decanted for a couple of hours. Deep ruby in color, with a little garnet on the rim. The nose is clean and elegant, albeit international, with ripe blackberry, red cherry, black currant, vanilla, coffee grounds and asian spice. The palate is dry, with generous fruit, medium to medium (+) acidity, tannins and alcohol. The palate is consistent with the nose and very well balanced, with a long, smooth, polished finish and a rich mouthfeel. It is surprisingly youthful and appears to have many years left in its optimal drinking window.
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Granato cupo. Al naso inchiostro di china, cuoio, prugna matura, piccoli frutti rossi, menta, tabacco, cacao, spezie orientali, grafite e note fumé. Bocca piena, possente, evoluta ma integra. Lungo il finale su note animali
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Second bottle of three originally purchased. Consumed at Vintage on Fifth in Crystal River ($15 corkage). This was properly decanted, but only for about 15 minutes before we lost patience and started drinking. Improved dramatically after about 45 minutes. Much more youthful looking in the glass than the one from three months ago. A dark, semi-opaque crimson in color, barely lightening at all around the edge. Again, very pretty on the nose - showing exotic aromas of cumin, coriander and bell pepper. Full-bodied and like liquid velvet in texture. Also offers noticeably more fruit on the palate than the previous bottle. Gorgeous, subtle flavors of blackberries and dark currants with a hint of wild game. Perfectly balanced. The long, beautifully polished finish features silky tannins and hints of coffee, mineral and oak. So smooth and elegant, yet thoroughly satisfying, complex and delicious. Superb in every respect. 50+5+13+18+8=94
Tannins resolved and still some fruit - sour cherry - and light and very easy to drink but not particularly long or complex. My only bottle but I think I would drink up soon if I did have any more
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Still rather youthful-looking in color, but lightening noticeably around the edge. Shows a beautiful, exotic nose of cumin, coriander, berries and sandalwood. Full-bodied, but quite elegant in weight and texture. Very silky and refined on the palate. Drinks like a superbly crafted Super-Tuscan that has aged very gracefully. The raspberry and sour cherry fruit has faded into the background and now secondary notes of spice, leather and toasted caramel have taken center stage. There's excellent depth and length to this. Not at all a big wine (especially for a Maremma Toscana) - but very polished, complex and absolutely delicious. Maybe just a bit past its peak, but still drinking beautifully. 50+5+13+17+8=93
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Bright, vibrant, dark ruby. This has an interesting nose of white pepper, bloody-meaty notes, glacier cherries, other black fruits and spices. On the palate it is smooth, medium full-bodied, with confected fruits and the tannins have fully resolved. It is low in acidity, however, and lacks a little bit of grip and verve. It tastes a little diffuse and easy. It lacks the equilibrium of a good Bordeaux. Still this bottle was better than the previous one which became flaccid an hour after opening, and there is lots to like - and enjoy - about this wine.
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Wow. Rich fruit without excessive heat. Shows a bit of earth and depth but no tannic grit - tannins are well smoothed out. Moderate alcohol level. Very nice.
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Opened and let slow-ox for about 1 hour. Good color with only slight bricking around the rim. Nose of soy sauce and black cherries. Seemed a bit reductive, with black cherries and plums. Some prune element. Still rich and not faded but seemed to be fading.
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A little past prime i initially thought...drank at fontana w CS bday...colors dark vivid red was impressive...minerals, smooth taste, but not much bite or finish. Couldn't quite place the fruit...but more on earthy side. Next day tasting was def tasting a bit old funk and did not hold up well as i suspected as it is past prime.
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Purple in the middle, browning at the rim. Some sediment. Funky, earthy nose. Crisp, medium-bodied with blackberry fruit and tobacco overtones. Very good.
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A bright, ruby, supple red in the glass. Meaty, bloody and brambly (blackberry?) notes on the nose, some dark cherry, pepper and spice too. The balance is great right now. Lovely smoothness, very fine integrated tannin and just-enough acidity. Roses, more berry fruit on the palate. Perhaps some faint hints of tea. Medium finish on the rose and pear drop flavours.
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Ripe raspberry nose. Still very lively and youthful. Ripe jammy raspberry flavors with a medium bodied mouth feel. Finish was long and fruity with a very clean elegant finish. Still has a lot left.
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Red with a little fading at the rim. Silky in the glass. The nose first strikes with a meaty, smoky character reminiscent of some Rhones. The fruit is dried and berry-ish, there's also a rose petal and pear drop character. On the palate there's more fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth, there's still plenty of structure and freshness here. A masculine, brooding wine, suited for pairing with rich food.
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Very smooth out of the gate. Red ripe berry but not overdone. Balanced acidity. The word the group used to describe this was "silky smooth." Need to seek out more if I can find it. Not a long term ager.
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6/29/2023 - J_H Likes this wine: 94 Points
- Compared to the Flaccia 06, which we drank on the side, it was somewhat more restrained, but also more feminine with predominantly dark fruit and lots of tertiary flavours of meat, leather, chocolate and earth.
- Very nice on the palate, certainly at its peak here and with lots of meaty to leathery flavours. Some red and dark fruit can still be recognised behind this. The acidity is still fun (medium +). On the palate, the complexity is not at the highest level but is really fun to drink if you are a fan of tertiary flavours. The length is also great (medium + to long).
- Should definitely be drunk now, 94 points
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12/23/2021 - La Sprezzatura wrote: 88 Points
clearly not the best bottle, the cork broke completely while opening.
clear signs of ageing, imo this bottle was "over the hill" and not really enjoyable anymore.
lots of tobacco, saw dust and tar.
be careful with very old (super) tuscans. made different bad experiences with the longevity. open them rater sooner than later and observe the maturing process.
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12/23/2021 - J_H Likes this wine: 91 Points
- no decanting
- Nose: Quite intense dark fruit aromas of black cherries and berries. With very mature notes, tobacco, coffee and Cabernet spice. Has a touch of port.
- Palate: More advanced on the palate with lots of tobacco and spice flavours. The acidity is medium and so are the tannins. Has good length but the 1999 Saffredi is probably past its peak, for me at least the drinking pleasure is somewhat lacking. The bottle comes from a very good cellar and was bought initially. I had a 2000 vintage a good 10 months ago, which came from the same cellar fresher and younger.
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9/18/2021 - Guido L. wrote: 89 Points
Not the best bottle. Slightly past its prime.
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1/21/2021 - aquacongas wrote: 91 Points
not blind
A bit disappointing, too evolved, some malty notes, not oxidized but I missed the opulence and the fun in the wine. After one hour in the decanter getting fresher and with a hint of mint and eucalyptus. 90
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12/17/2019 - Shesmu wrote:
coravinned 2 glasses with pizza. color is still dark but cloudy. no noticeable tannin -- fruit in the background -- was very nice. lots of sediment. balanced and medium bodied.
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3/29/2019 - NoTrollingerPlease wrote: flawed
An evening with wine geeks (Ristorante da Salvo, Stuttgart): Glass: WMF white wine
Cork pulled a few hours before, not decanted. Unfortunately and off bottle. You can feel its greatness, but this bottle was gone.
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6/19/2018 - RolfT wrote: 93 Points
Juicy and concentrated. Drinking at peak level.
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6/1/2017 - Sirmika wrote: 87 Points
Den Höhepunkt überschritten. Leider nicht mehr gut
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1/25/2017 - TannicBeast Likes this wine: 93 Points
Texas Wine School, Kings of Italy Class. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Decanted for a couple of hours. Deep ruby with garnet hues. The nose is complex, with earth, leather, lots of French oak-induced vanilla and coffee aromas which compete with the ripe blackberry, red cherry, black currant. The palate is dry, with generous fruit, medium to medium (+) acidity, tannins and alcohol (13.5%). The palate is consistent with the nose and very well balanced, with a long, smooth, polished finish and a rich mouthfeel. It is probably at its peak.
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1/21/2017 - forceberry wrote: 93 Points
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%) and Petit Verdot (10%). 13,5% alcohol.
Luminous and thoroughly translucent ruby red color with a little bit of developed mahogany hue. The nose is remarkably powerful and concentrated with somewhat tertiary aromas of smoke-cured beef, licorice, allspice, some pruney dark fruits, a little bit of dried blackcurrants and a hint of alcohol. The wine is moderately gull-bodied, rich and quite dense on the palate with nicely developed, silky mouthfeel and layered flavors of ripe blackcurrants, somewhat wizened dark fruits, some baking spices, a little bit of licorice and a hint of savory oak spice. The wine feels very harmonious with its moderately high acidity and ample yet fully resolved, silky tannins. The finish is long, rich and velvety smooth with flavors of ripe dark berries, some plummy fruits, a little bit of rough peppery spice, a hint of sweet strawberry-driven red fruit and a touch of dried figs.
A very stylish, harmonious and beautifully resolved Bordeaux imitation from Maremma. Although I could've liked a bit more structure in the acid and tannin departments, the wine is still very harmonious and all in all very pleasant. What it lacks most, is distinction and character, but that seems to be a greater problem with the Maremma wines - not a real fault of this particular wine. All in all an enjoyable effort, showing how nicely the best Maremmas from great vintages can age. Most likely won't develop much from here, but probably will keep for years more. Drink or keep for a little while more.
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12/16/2016 - TannicBeast Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted, as it is throwing off a lot of sediment. Consistent with my March 2016 tasting note, except that it is now showing more leather and earth. It was till one of the more impressive wines of the evening, but - if this is a representative bottle - I would consume it earlier than previously indicated.
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5/31/2016 - TannicBeast Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for two hours. Consistent with my 3/15/16 tasting note. It is surprising how relatively youthful and generous the fruit is, despite its age. In fact, it is still delightful five days after being opened and decanted! This was by many accounts the WOTN at the Luxury Italians class.
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4/26/2016 - Bam_Man wrote: flawed
My last bottle of this Tuscan gem. The cork disintegrated on the way out - not a good sign - and unfortunately, it was very slightly corked. Still drinkable, and with several hours of air improved almost to the point where you didn't notice. What a shame.
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3/15/2016 - TannicBeast Likes this wine: 93 Points
In a blind tasting, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot could easily be mistaken for a high end Right Bank Bordeaux. This was decanted for a couple of hours. Deep ruby in color, with a little garnet on the rim. The nose is clean and elegant, albeit international, with ripe blackberry, red cherry, black currant, vanilla, coffee grounds and asian spice. The palate is dry, with generous fruit, medium to medium (+) acidity, tannins and alcohol. The palate is consistent with the nose and very well balanced, with a long, smooth, polished finish and a rich mouthfeel. It is surprisingly youthful and appears to have many years left in its optimal drinking window.
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5/4/2015 - Ludi Likes this wine: 91 Points
Granato cupo. Al naso inchiostro di china, cuoio, prugna matura, piccoli frutti rossi, menta, tabacco, cacao, spezie orientali, grafite e note fumé. Bocca piena, possente, evoluta ma integra. Lungo il finale su note animali
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9/13/2014 - Bam_Man Likes this wine: 94 Points
Second bottle of three originally purchased. Consumed at Vintage on Fifth in Crystal River ($15 corkage). This was properly decanted, but only for about 15 minutes before we lost patience and started drinking. Improved dramatically after about 45 minutes. Much more youthful looking in the glass than the one from three months ago. A dark, semi-opaque crimson in color, barely lightening at all around the edge. Again, very pretty on the nose - showing exotic aromas of cumin, coriander and bell pepper. Full-bodied and like liquid velvet in texture. Also offers noticeably more fruit on the palate than the previous bottle. Gorgeous, subtle flavors of blackberries and dark currants with a hint of wild game. Perfectly balanced. The long, beautifully polished finish features silky tannins and hints of coffee, mineral and oak. So smooth and elegant, yet thoroughly satisfying, complex and delicious. Superb in every respect.
50+5+13+18+8=94
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8/21/2014 - Fosgrove Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tannins resolved and still some fruit - sour cherry - and light and very easy to drink but not particularly long or complex. My only bottle but I think I would drink up soon if I did have any more
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6/12/2014 - Bam_Man Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still rather youthful-looking in color, but lightening noticeably around the edge. Shows a beautiful, exotic nose of cumin, coriander, berries and sandalwood. Full-bodied, but quite elegant in weight and texture. Very silky and refined on the palate. Drinks like a superbly crafted Super-Tuscan that has aged very gracefully. The raspberry and sour cherry fruit has faded into the background and now secondary notes of spice, leather and toasted caramel have taken center stage. There's excellent depth and length to this. Not at all a big wine (especially for a Maremma Toscana) - but very polished, complex and absolutely delicious. Maybe just a bit past its peak, but still drinking beautifully.
50+5+13+17+8=93
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4/4/2014 - SteveHyde wrote: flawed
Corked. Not rated.
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2/28/2014 - Comte Flaneur wrote: 90 Points
Bright, vibrant, dark ruby. This has an interesting nose of white pepper, bloody-meaty notes, glacier cherries, other black fruits and spices. On the palate it is smooth, medium full-bodied, with confected fruits and the tannins have fully resolved. It is low in acidity, however, and lacks a little bit of grip and verve. It tastes a little diffuse and easy. It lacks the equilibrium of a good Bordeaux. Still this bottle was better than the previous one which became flaccid an hour after opening, and there is lots to like - and enjoy - about this wine.
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4/1/2013 - Easter Everywhere Likes this wine:
superb! tobacco, earth, rich fruit
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3/12/2013 - FLI Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow. Rich fruit without excessive heat. Shows a bit of earth and depth but no tannic grit - tannins are well smoothed out. Moderate alcohol level. Very nice.
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11/19/2011 - t_moderne wrote:
Opened and let slow-ox for about 1 hour. Good color with only slight bricking around the rim. Nose of soy sauce and black cherries. Seemed a bit reductive, with black cherries and plums. Some prune element. Still rich and not faded but seemed to be fading.
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9/24/2011 - km5 wrote:
A little past prime i initially thought...drank at fontana w CS bday...colors dark vivid red was impressive...minerals, smooth taste, but not much bite or finish. Couldn't quite place the fruit...but more on earthy side. Next day tasting was def tasting a bit old funk and did not hold up well as i suspected as it is past prime.
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4/26/2011 - cooberp wrote: 90 Points
Purple in the middle, browning at the rim. Some sediment. Funky, earthy nose. Crisp, medium-bodied with blackberry fruit and tobacco overtones. Very good.
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3/15/2010 - tina7474 wrote: 91 Points
Loads of earth giving way to a little fruit, slight blackberry, a nice wine. Old world Poopiness was said i think.
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5/26/2008 - gravelld wrote: 91 Points
A bright, ruby, supple red in the glass. Meaty, bloody and brambly (blackberry?) notes on the nose, some dark cherry, pepper and spice too. The balance is great right now. Lovely smoothness, very fine integrated tannin and just-enough acidity. Roses, more berry fruit on the palate. Perhaps some faint hints of tea. Medium finish on the rose and pear drop flavours.
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5/19/2008 - WineForRob wrote: 92 Points
Nothing new
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2/22/2008 - WineForRob wrote: 92 Points
Ripe raspberry nose. Still very lively and youthful. Ripe jammy raspberry flavors with a medium bodied mouth feel. Finish was long and fruity with a very clean elegant finish. Still has a lot left.
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7/19/2007 - gravelld wrote: 89 Points
Red with a little fading at the rim. Silky in the glass. The nose first strikes with a meaty, smoky character reminiscent of some Rhones. The fruit is dried and berry-ish, there's also a rose petal and pear drop character. On the palate there's more fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth, there's still plenty of structure and freshness here. A masculine, brooding wine, suited for pairing with rich food.
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4/21/2007 - cck wrote: 94 Points
Very smooth out of the gate. Red ripe berry but not overdone. Balanced acidity. The word the group used to describe this was "silky smooth." Need to seek out more if I can find it. Not a long term ager.
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