Here it is...Best of the Best!

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Sapaio

2008 SAPAIO

Tre Bicchieri of course, but our vote for BEST Tre Bicchieri wine at last February's

San Francisco 2012 Gambero Rosso tasting!

2,350 Producers

20,000 Wines

ONLY 375 Tre Bicchieri Winners

Dear Wine Friends,

Tre Bicchieri translates to "three glasses". After 25 volumes of annual publication, Gambero Rosso is recognized as Italy's authoritative tasting guide, and being named a Tre Bicchieri selection is the most coveted award an Italian wine can achieve. The process extends over an 8 month period, and is judiciously undertaken in blind tastings by a panel of nearly 80 professional peers. Every February, Gambero Rosso whirl wind tours the United States with a three stop city tour to showcase about 150 of its highly prized Tre Bicchieri winners. It can be a frustrating treat, as many of the most sought after of these wines are not imported here into the United States. We never miss the Gambero Rosso tasting, and believe it is our most important of the year.

Our favorite Tre Bicchieri wine of the tasting was the 2008 Podere Sapaio "Sapaio" from the coastal Bolgheri region of Tuscany. A highly reputed region, where for the last 50 years world class wines have been produced from the classic Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. In fact, not to name drop, but Massimo Piccin's estate is situated between the townships of Bibbona and Castagneto Carducci, a neighborhood where vineyards produce the legendary and luxury collectible wines of San Guido's Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Le Macchiole, Guado al Tasso, Ca' Marcanda to name some of the best (up to $400 a bottle for Ornellaia's Masseto release). Here the low-lying vineyards slope gradually up the from the Mediterranean shoreline and are planted in loose, coarse-grained sandy, and well drained calcareous soils. The climate is mild which usually allows the varietals successful ripening whether it be the earlier Merlot or the later Cabernet Sauvignon. If there are any problems with "extremes", the selection process and flexibility in blending still allows for a true expression of Bolgheri's terroir.

Podere Sapaio - Bolgheri, Tuscany

Please click the video of Podere Sapaio to fully appreciate the splendor of coastal Tuscany and the mystique of the Bolgheri region. Sapaio's oldest vineyards (the estate totals about 100 acres) were only planted in 1999! BUT, the 2008 vintage is Sapaio's third consecutive Tre Bicchieri award, and the vines are already demonstrating the estate's true potential for real greatness.

The 2008 Podere Sapaio "Sapaio" is composed of hand picked Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot and Petit Verdot (each 20%), and Cabernet Franc (10%). The grapes are sorted and fermented separately with extended maceration on the skins in large steel tanks, before being aged for 18 months in French barrique. The blended wine then rests for at least 12 months in bottle for "finishing". 2,500 cases were produced.

I had been sampling other Tre Bicchieri wines for about an hour when I finally came to the Sapaio table. Typically, a little palate weary by this time, tasting the 08 Sapaio simply rejuvenated me! The wine has such style, grace and finesse, combined with restrained power. It's buoyant aromas are above the rim, and the seamless layering of the lush, ripe varietal fruits adds greater complexity. Perfectly balanced and with finely knit tannins, it is easy to understand why this region's terroir has such a special pedigree. Sapaio is just such a class act! A revelation to drink now, but easy to cellar for many years! This is probably the most important wine you can purchase for yourself this year, especially if Sapaio and Bolgheri are new to you!

RESERVE NOW!

We have been waiting patiently for the 2008 Sapaio to arrive. And we are blessed the winery has found a new importer! Yes, our "best friend" Cristian who has moved from Florence this year to start his new import company in San Francisco. Even better, Cristian has been able to eliminate a marketing tier which has reduced the bottle price by $20!! If you purchase the 08 Sapaio, Cristian will become your new "best friend" too!

We are joining Cristian and Massimo Piccin in San Francisco for dinner this Saturday to welcome the wine! Delivery is expected on Wednesday, June 20th., so be certain to RESERVE NOW! Previous vintages priced at $85+ a bottle.

NOW ONLY $66.95

ORDER 6+ at $62.95 a bottle!

Podere Sapaio's website