2018 Mazzei Siepi (1.5L)

Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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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.

97JS

96WA

Extremely perfumed and crystal-clear with violets, plums, raspberries, walnuts and black olives. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins that are extremely polished and refined. The length is long and very precise. Chocolate and hazelnuts. This is the 25th anniversary of this fine merlot and sangiovese. Hard not to drink now, but better after 2022.

97 points, James Suckling (Sep 2020)

I tasted this wine in a preview capacity a few months back and am coming back now with a final review. The lovely 2018 Siepi, from old vines of Sangiovese and Merlot, comes out roaring. I have long been a fan of this historic wine that so carefully blends the fruity freshness and bright flavors of the Tuscan grape with the soft and succulent background tones of the French counterpart. These two sides achieve elegance and balance in this classic vintage. To the palate, the wine is fleshed out and texturally rich. I'm happily settling on the higher part of the range of scores I had previously published. The wine has come together in seamless fashion with that extra bottle aging.

96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Mar 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$199.98

Compare At: $239.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 11/30/2024. 6 bottles available.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 1

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