2018 Le Pupille Poggio Valente (750ml)

Sangiovese from Maremma, Tuscany, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Located just south of Bolgheri – home to Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Solaia, and other world-famous Super Tuscan estates – Maremma has long been a hot bed of noble winemaking. Sharing nearly identical conditions with Bolgheri – vineyard altitudes, proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea, diurnal temperature shifts – the region has attracted serious investors and winemakers over the last few decades; perhaps none more famous than Elisabetta Geppetti. Named for the hills which flank the original 15 acres of vineyards she purchased in the 1980s, her estate of Le Pupille was an overnight sensation.

Her flagship wine, Saffredi – named in honor of her mentor and Father-in-law, Fredi – was conceived by Elisabetta while still in her twenties. She purchased the estate and its Cabernet vines from Fredi – the original owner – and began working with Italy's most celebrated oenologist, Giacomo Tachis, to fulfil her dream. Releasing her first vintage (the 1987) in 1990, Saffredi skyrocketed to success, attracting associate winemakers the likes of Christian Sommer (Chateau Latour) and Luca D'Attoma (who assisted Elisabetta in achieving the 100 point club). Saffredi is a blend of Cab, Merlot, Petit Verdot and even Syrah in certain vintages, and unquestionably one of the world's great cult wines.

As if Saffredi was not enough for Elisabetta, she began to focus on the exceptional quality of the Sangiovese from the Valente vineyard. Using much larger barrels and eliminating Merlot from the blend, the style emphasizes nuance and finesse of Sangiovese. A serious core, this sangiovese challenges all the wines of Tuscany.

94WA

94JS

92V

92WS

Tasted from vat, the Fattoria le Pupille 2018 Poggio Valente is an elegant expression of Sangiovese with just a hint of the freewheeling wildness that characterizes the Maremma region of southern Tuscany. The wine delivers cherry, wild rose, forest fruit and blueberry. Beyond those primary tones are integrated notes of spice and mild tobacco. The wine is put together with careful precision, and all it needs now is more aging time in order to flesh out and build depth. Everything is set, just give it time.

94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Nov 2020)

Really pretty balance and focus to this red with plums, berries, cherries, currants and hints of vanilla and hazelnuts. It’s medium-to full-bodied with refined tannins and a clean, fruity finish. Very elegant. Pure sangiovese. So drinkable now. Why wait? Drink or hold.

94 points, James Suckling (Jul 2020)

The 2018 Poggio Valente is a very pretty, open-knit wine. The aromatics are especially inviting. Sweet pipe tobacco, dried cherry, mint, anise, cinnamon and dried flowers lend notable presence to this decidedly mid-weight Poggio Valente. All the elements are so well balanced.

92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jul 2022)

Rich and spicy, evoking plum, cherry, sandalwood and cigar box aromas and flavors. Though solidly built, this is also fluid, echoing spice notes on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2033. 1,700 cases made, 400 cases imported.

92 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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