2020 Mazzei Siepi (1.5L)

Merlot 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.

98JS #86 Top 100

96V

Graphite and lead pencil is coming through, together with violets and blackberries. Some tar and asphalt, too. Full-bodied, yet creamy and crunchy, with agile liveliness that goes on for minutes. Fabulous length. Drinkable already, but will age gracefully for decades.

98 points, James Suckling (Jul 2022)

#86 - James Suckling Top 100 of 2022

The 2020 Siepi is classy, elegant and super-polished. Inky blue fruit, lavender, new leather, cloves and mocha all meld together effortlessly. There is a sense of precision in the 2020 that is incredibly inviting. Even so, the 2020 is very young and not fully expressing its potential. This just needs time to emerge, but all the elements are there.

96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jul 2022)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

#ITMASA20AG

$169.98

Compare At: $179.99

18 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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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