|
|
B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More
An exceptional Super Tuscan combining the power and roundness of Merlot with Sangiovese's structure and acidity, the outstanding 98 pt. 2020 Siepi boasts ripe, plush fruit hinting of savory herbs and spice with "enormous elegance and depth" according to the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, hinting at its potential for evolving greatness and of course a Top 100 from James Suckling.
Just eight miles from Siena in the historic village of Fonterutoli, 24 generations of the Mazzei family have been owners of the Fonterutoli Castle in Chianti Classico since 1435, boasting a rich legacy of crafting exceptional wines as one of the oldest winemaking families in Italy and the world. Known for being the first winery to plant Merlot in the region over three decades ago, Mazzei's 2020 Siepi is a 50-50 blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, sourced from vines ranging from 22 to 35 years of age. Located on a southeast-facing plateau between 220 and 310 meters above sea level, the organically farmed 14-hectare Siepi vineyard is planted on a well-draining alberese mix of clay and marl encircled by forests that cools the vineyard and prevents over-ripening in warmer years like 2020. After hand harvesting the grapes and fermenting the parcels in stainless steel, winemaker Gionata Pulignani aged the varietals separately, Merlot for 18 months in 70% new French barriques and Sangiovese for 16 months in 70% new tonneaux, before blending the 2020 Siepi, aging it an additional 4 months in concrete tanks and 4 months in bottle, yielding a powerful, harmonious blend with elegant, integrated tannins described as "an exceptionally beautiful wine" by Decanter's Georgina Hindle.
Crafted to offer immediate and youthful enjoyment but built for the long haul, the outstanding 98 pt. 2020 Siepi seamlessly integrates the best qualities of Merlot and Sangiovese, offering vibrant energetic fruit with mouthwatering acidity and "fabulous length" according to critic James Suckling, with layered complexity to "age gracefully for decades," delivering exceptional value and one that collectors and lovers of Italian wine will want to make room for in the cellar. |
|
|
The 2017 Siepi is a total knock-out and one of the best recent vintages I can remember tasting. All the elements simply fall into place. Succulent dark cherry, spice, chocolate, leather and licorice build as the 2017 gains volume in the glass. Sangiovese and Merlot have rarely been so complementary. The 2017 is a gorgeous wine that offers plenty of the richness readers have become accustomed to over the years, but in a slightly less extracted style.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Sep 2020)
The polish and finesse to this gorgeous, rich wine is really impressive with a full-bodied, dense and layered palate and a soft, caressingly textured finish. The chocolate, berry and hazelnut character is all integrated beautifully. Give this time to acquire some refinement. Try after 2023 and onwards.
95 points, James Suckling (Jul 2020)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in a special commemorative bottle, the 2017 Siepi is a beautifully rich ensemble of Sangiovese and Merlot. The hot and dry vintage has pushed both varieties to extra ripeness and darkness—the hallmarks of the vintage. The bouquet is articulate and intense with black fruit, dried blackberry, cherry, spice, earth and toasted almond. There is abundant richness on the nose, but the palate is actually shorter and more streamlined than expected. Siepi is an exceptional vineyard site perched on its own little plateau that is drenched in golden sunlight.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Aug 2020)
Top Quality Store
