From: Walla Walla, Washington, USA
Varietals: 62% Sangiovese, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
Tasting Notes and Critical Acclaim: Vibrant and darkly hued in the glass, with juicy black currant, red fruit and oak spice aromas. On entry, a textured, lively mouthfeel enhances the wine’s intense fruit character. Flavorful notes of wild strawberry and sour cherry are beautifully balanced with just the right amount of acidity stretching across a persistent finish.
“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!” —Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 94 points
“The Saggi is a blend of 62% Sangiovese, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. 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.” —Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast Editor’s Choice, 93 points (July 2024)
“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.” —James Suckling, 93 points
“Lastly, 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.” —Jeb Dunnuck, 93 points
Pairing: This Sangiovese-Cabernet-Syrah blend will pair with a wide range of Italian-inspired fare and classic American comfort food. It will shine alongside rich tomato-based sauces and rustic Mediterranean herbs, leaving a host of amazing pizza and pasta dishes. Other great options include grilled or roasted eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms, lamb chops, or creamy mushroom risotto. Mark Bitman’s Pork and Portobello Burgers recipe below will taste great because it incorporates the flavors of garlic and herbs like rosemary and parsley.
About. The 2020 Saggi is a blend of three outstanding Washington State Sangiovese vineyards. Walla Walla Valley’s Blue Mountain Sangiovese contributes to the wine’s dark color and lush mouthfeel. Candy Mountain is a warm vineyard that delivers Sangiovese grapes with ripe, dark fruit flavors. Boushey Vineyard Sangiovese, grown in the Yakima Valley, is a cooler site that adds liveliness. Stone Tree Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and silky tannins. A small amount of Yakima Valley Syrah brings dark color and spice.
