An exceptional Super Tuscan combining the power and roundness of Merlot with Sangiovese's structure and acidity, Mazzei's Siepi is a perennial collectible all-star that has seen a fanatical following grow up around the previous several vintages.
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 combination of forward vision and steadfast traditionalism have garnered a consistent track record of excellence that few of their contemporaries can match, with the flagship Siepi as the cornerstone.
The four vintages on offer today all showcase the recent trajectory of this magnificent Super Tuscan best-seller, starting with the "classy, elegant and super-polished" 2020 in magnum format. It's no surprise that the epic 2021 vintage produced "certainly one of the best editions of Siepi we've seen so far" per Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, while the double 97-point 2022 is an equally prodigious follow-up to its monumental predecessors in 2019 and 2021, as well as a worthy effort for the wine's 30th anniversary bottling. Finally, the 2023 has already racked up a pair of 97 points scores, with more surely to come. "Classy stuff," it's a lovely representation of the balance of the vintage and my indeed provide more immediate accessibility while you wait for the long-haul vintages to come to maturity.
Whether you're building a Siepi vertical or just building a collection of Tuscany's greatest modern wines, the four vintages on offer today will add some serious depth and gravitas to any cellar.
The aromas of dark berries, violets and perfume are enchanting. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and so elegant and they run the length of the wine. They are rather endless. Very classy and balanced. A merlot and sangiovese blend. Give this a year or two, but it’s already a joy to drink. Drink or hold.
97 points, James Suckling (Sep 2024)
Deep ruby in colour, this is concentrated compared to many in Tuscany, love the super savoury feel, tongue-scraping architecture, with so much freshly cut herb edging and heavy liqourice root and gunsmoke alongside raspberry and cassis fruit. Brilliant, up there with the very best of the Bordeaux-Tuscan wines, where the grapes and the region truly each play their part in creating the personality of the wine. The vineyards for Siepi are in Castellina in Chianti, harvest September 5 to 17, 70% new oak for ageing, large oak casks for the Sangiovese, then three months in concrete tanks before release. Tasted with the September Releases and again at the estate.
97 points, Jane Anson (Aug 2024)
The Mazzei 2022 Siepi marks this wine's 30th anniversary. I have a special connection to this wine, as I was present when some of the final blending options (with fruit from various parcels within the greater Siepi vineyard) were being decided. My personal preference was for the interpretation that showed the brightest fruit and the most energy. Those qualities are transferred over to this bottle, and I do agree that this celebratory vintage offers an excellent opportunity to tweak the winemaking of this historic blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. This warm vintage offers plenty of primary fruit with bold cherry as the protagonist. Softer tones of blue flower and grilled rosemary appear at the back. However, the oak spice and cinnamon need time to integrate. The results put the 2022 vintage on par with classic years such as 2021 and 2019.
96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
The 2022 Siepi is a supremely elegant, polished wine. Even so, it has shut down significantly since I tasted it just prior to bottling, likely a reflection of the decision to use a selection of more vibrant Sangioveses for the blend in this vintage. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol and licorice build nicely with a bit of coaxing. Over the last few years, the Mazzei family has gradually given their wines a touch more focus and energy, qualities that come through loud and clear here.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2025)
Siepi, a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, is one of the rare wines which has increased the percentage of new oak, and today it sits at almost 100%. 2022 was a hot and dry year and it seems to have emphasised the Merlot power more than the Sangiovese finesse: wild forest berries, sous bois and spicy plum lead the way, with a saline touch. Grippy and spicy, round and ripe, it's a bit angular at the moment, with a drying finish, but once that oak has settled down it should show us what it's made of.
95 points, James Button, Decanter (Sep 2024)
