2020 2020 Saggi

The 2020 Saggi is composed of 62% Sangiovese, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. The nose opens with classic red fruits and a floral and dusty note that wafts from the glass, then delightful and seductive dark fruit and baked clay notes release with additional time in the glass and swirling. Full-bodied, the Sangiovese blend offers a firm mouthfeel and bright and energetic cherry flavors before dusty florals grip the mid-palate. The wine continues to uncoil, offering notes of black raspberry over the succulent, food-friendly finish and lingering tannic edge. Bravo!

The 2020 Saggi Red Wine is made by the talented Gilles Nicault (who is also the genius behind the quality of all these Long Shadows releases) and is 62% Sangiovese, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Syrah. Terrific red and black fruits, white pepper, sandalwood, and smoky oak all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good length on the finish, and an overriding sense of purity and elegance that you don’t find often in the vintage. It will have 10-15 years of longevity.

Notes of cassis, blackberries, black coffee, cocoa powder, toasted cedar and graphite. Full and structured with firm, slightly chewy tannins and mellow fruity ripeness coming through. The finish is rich and succulent with some creaminess to it.

Its combination of fine-grained tannins and crisp acidity is the perfect foil for rich flavors of tart black cherries, vanilla beans and mocha lattes. The wine’s aromas of dried rose petals, sweet raspberries and cacao nibs are equally pleasing. Editors' Choice.