2016 Podere Sapaio Toscana 750 ml

Wines like this one are why we live to hit the wine trail. The Super Tuscan that Decanter says has been “shaping a cult following” since 1999, the 2016 Podere Sapaio beguiles with the elegance and sleek, dark power of comparable Tuscan icons that cost hundreds of dollars more.

Crafted by Carlo Ferrini, an Italian legend with multiple 100-point scores to his name, this densely textured release overflows with aromas of herbs de Provence, wild raspberries, and tobacco. Broad, round, and harmonious in the way of this region’s best Bordeaux blends, but with the energy and stamina to cellar a decade or more.

“This is so vivid and polished,” raved James Suckling in his 96-point review, calling it “already gorgeous to taste.” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate backed up the 2016’s huge investment appeal with 95 points, praising it as “well-balanced, fragrant and absolutely seamless.”

Hit “buy” on this phenomenal Podere Sapaio to enjoy its luscious, fresh pleasure now, and its tremendous ageability in the future.

A few months ago, we had the chance to spend a few days traveling and tasting in Tuscany with the illustrious Carlo Ferrini, described by Jancis Robinson as “one of the most celebrated of the winemaking consultants that have been so vital to the Italian wine scene—possibly the most famous.”

We began in Florence, jetted down to Montalcino to taste through some Brunellos, and then headed west to Bolgheri—the land of Sassicaia and Ornellaia—to meet up with Massimo Piccin, the charismatic owner of Podere Sapaio.

He opened the door to us like we were old friends, welcoming us to a table set with prosciutto, frittatas, and a selection of cheeses. Within minutes he was filling our wine glasses, establishing a pattern that didn’t cease until much later that evening. What got our attention immediately, though, was this flagship release from 2016, a vintage in which favorable weather conditions matched up perfectly with the estate’s old vines, boasting as much character as Massimo himself. We were struck by the richness, deep-core concentration, abundant spice, and seamlessness from start to finish. Tons of fruit on the mid-palate—a giveaway of a great year in Bolgheri. We were smitten.

The hours flew by and next thing we knew, we were shuttling down to Massimo’s favorite restaurant, a funky, down-to-earth little place by the water. He broke out the big guns: magnums of Dom to pair with the Michelin-starred fare. For the richer courses—including an unforgettable salt-baked branzino—Massimo’s answer was a magnum of the 2006 vintage of this same cuvée. Decanted for 30 minutes, it was one of the greatest Tuscan wines we’ve ever encountered, campfire smoke and dried blackberry resolving into pure dark velvet on the palate.

That bottle was a peek at the ethereal beauty that Podere Sapaio can achieve when you can manage to leave it alone in the cellar. Compared to what Super Tuscans of this ilk typically go for, $78 is a steal for one of the best of Bolgheri.