The Fattoria le Pupille 2011 Saffredi is ripe and thickly textured with heavy aromas and a very open-knit approach. The wine's texture is almost gritty or granular with baked fruit, road tar, baking chocolate and toasted spice. The effect is big and bold, and there's no mistaking this as anything but a hot-vintage release. The wine's drinking window is closing and its complexity is fading.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Syrah. The growing season in 2011 featured exceptional heatwaves, periodically interspersed with cooler periods. At the end of July, very heavy rains replenished the water reserves of the soil. This probably explains why the vines, despite the extraordinary heat from mid August to mid September, with daily temperature exceeding 35 °C, did not experience any significant water stress. Luca D’Attoma was responsible for the final blend of the wine. Harvest between 1 September and 30 September. 30,000 bottles produced. Dark crimson. Very subtle and evolved on the nose – super-charming. On the palate, it is still a bit jagged and unintegrated. Quite a disconnect between nose and palate, but with food they can presumably be brought closer together. Needs time. (JR)