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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. |
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The 2019 Siepi continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass. Dense and layered, with striking detail, the 2019 is so impressive. The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out.
99 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Sep 2021)
This is a really racy and fine Siepi with currant, black-cherry and dark-chocolate character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very long, intense tannins that are linear and fine-textured. Really builds on the palate. Super structure. Finesse with power. Try after 2024 and onwards.
98 points, James Suckling (Sep 2021)
The second year on the Place for the Mazzei family with Siepi. What a brilliant vintage of this wine, raspberry, redcurrant, sage, tobacco leaf and savoury cherry pit. Moreish and delicate but powerful and intense, and just so drinkable in that way the best Italian wines always are - you can imagine this being passed around a table and everyone wants a piece. Love it. The same family as Conterno, in the wine business since 1435.
97 points, Jane Anson (Sep 2021)
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