Saffredi, Le Pupille 2004

Shows a very ripe nose, with rose, berry and hints of meat. Full-bodied and powerful, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Massive yet balanced. What a wine. The greatest Saffredi ever made. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante. Better than previously reviewed. Best after 2012. 1,750 cases made.

Le Pupille's 2004 Saffredi is a remarkable wine, in fact the aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. This French oak-aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante possesses stunning harmony as layers of plums, blackberries, toasted oak, mint and flowers emerge from its vibrant, structured frame. The tannins are remarkably polished. From start to finish, this beautifully sculpted wine is a high class effort from proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti and oenologist Christian Le Sommer. It is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 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.