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. 1750 cases made. –JS

The DNA profile of the Fattoria le Pupille 2004 Saffredi is different because this is the first vintage that sees Syrah instead of Alicante in the blend. The bouquet comes out in full force with lots of rich dark fruit and tannins that are still aggressive today, some 20 years after the harvest. The growing season saw four big summer storms and is considered a cool vintage overall. Indeed, the freshness of the fruit is intact, and there is a hint of dried green herb or rosemary. This bottle is holding on nicely. - Monica Larner