Saffredi Le Pupille 2015 (1.5L)

96 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Saffredi is a sultry and velvety wine from the Tuscan Coast. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot that sees 18 months in new and neutral oak. The textural richness is of the highest caliber, and the bouquet produces a long succession of black fruit, exotic spice and savory tobacco flavors. There's a touch of mocha chocolate and toasted espresso bean as well. The wine delivers great length and power. It promises not only to age but to improve as it spends more years in the cellar. Some 30,000 bottles are made." 11/17

95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2015 Saffredi is a powerful, racy wine. Even so, I don't find the nuance, clarity or freshness that made the 2015 so complete last year. Part or all of that may be attributable to multiple bottlings. My feeling on the subject is very simple. Multiple bottlings inevitably lead to bottle variation, and that is just unacceptable at this level." 03/19

99 Points, James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com: "I love the currant and rosemary character of this wine. Some sage, too. Complex aromas that draw you in. Full body, extremely tight and chewy with a long and intense finish. The tannins are fantastic - so polished. Focused and beautiful. Mineral undertone with ash and hot stone highlighting the dark fruits. It goes on for minutes. Needs three or four years to come together. But a serious red all the way." 8/17

94 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: "An enticing combination of black currant, plum, licorice, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors hits all the right notes. Firms up, showing density and a juicy texture before playing out gracefully on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2028. 3,000 cases made, 200 cases imported. " 02/19

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast, Kerin O'Keefe: "Elegantly structured, this has aromas of underbrush, sun-baked soil and balsamic notes that lift out of the glass. On the smooth, full-bodied palate, refined tannins uphold cassis, ripe blackberry, white pepper and wild herb." 04/19

95 Points, Stephen Brook, Decanter: "The spring and summer were worryingly dry, but some rain in August was timely, helping the grapes to ripen fully. The nose is gorgeous, with a lush oakiness and some welcome red fruits. The attack is rich and ripe, marrying immense concentration with good acidity. Despite ageing in 80% new barriques, the oak is not too evident. It's a bit monolithic now but also stylish and persistent, lifted and intense. Long, with great ageing potential." 11/17