James Suckling: 93pts
There's plenty of mineral, currant and dried-flower character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a clean finish. Always a serious Bordeaux blend here. Better in 2016.
Publish Date: Monday, October 20, 2014
International Wine Report: 93pts
A slightly more impressive showing in 2011 is the ‘Sapaio’. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is dense and concentrated delivering layers of full-bodied richness wrapped in flavors of dark cherries, cassis, tobacco, spices, cigar box, mint and hints of dusty minerals. This continues to impress on the palate with its round, supple texture and gorgeous balance. The finish is long and mouth coating folding in dark fruits, chocolate, spices and tobacco notes that carry on. Although this is excellent today, this will need a bit more time that the ‘Volpolo', but there is a bright future to look forward to. (Best 2016-2024) - October, 2014 (JD)
Wine Advocate: 91pts
The 2011 Bolgheri Superiore Sapaio is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months (in 80% new oak). This is a unique wine, aromatically speaking, with tangy notes of exotic spice and Asian barbecue. Savory dried meat and teriyaki are backed by a high degree of black fruit, blackberry and plum cake. The wine shows broad shoulders, unyielding tannins and a pretty dose of medicinal herb on the close. Sapaio stands out in a lineup of Bolgheri Superiore reds thanks to its distinctive bouquet.