Today we share one of the iconic wines of Washington. The Saggi is a brilliant blend of largely Sangiovese. It is truly one of the great, novel wines of this state. Last year I had the tremendous opportunity to taste more than ten vintages of the ‘Saggi’ going back to the 2004 vintage (https://owenbargreen.com/blog/2024/6/13/long-shadows-saggi-vertical-tasting). Needless to say it was a very special day spent with winemaker Gilles Nicault.
Saggi was first made with the 2003 vintage as a partnership with the famed Folonari family. The blend wasn’t released and ’04 was the first released vintage which was near equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon with some Syrah and Barbera. Today the wine is mainly Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and some Syrah, which Nicault explains “brings the darkness to the color and extra layer of complexity, the spiciness. Sangiovese brings brightness but this Syrah elevates the wine and softness, richness to the palate.”
The new wine was spectacular and is drinking impeccably from this warm vintage. The 2021 ‘Saggi’ (OB, 95) is a dense and delicious treat to enjoy now. It is very well-structured and should cellar for at least another fifteen years to come. Learn more at https://longshadows.com/ and here is my review of the gorgeous 2021 ‘Saggi.’
2021 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The stunning 2021 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine is a harmonious and dense blend of 62% Sangiovese with 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Syrah. Decadent roasted figs and blackberries fill the palate alongside chocolate covered espresso bean and garrigue notes. The flavor density, weight and seamless texture really makes this sing its high octave. Drink 2025-2042- 95