PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Mazzei Siepi 2021 is a powerful, opulent Super-Tuscan that marries plush Merlot sweetness with Sangiovese’s structure and finesse. It’s richly layered, sleek despite its density, and clearly one of the most impressive Siepi vintages in recent memory.
Produced by Mazzei / Castello di Fonterutoli in Tuscany, Italy.
The blend is 50% Sangiovese / 50% Merlot. Harvest conditions in 2021 (hot summer with good diurnal swings) yielded grapes with thick skins and mature phenolics.
Oak aging: approximately 18 months in French oak barrels, about 70% new oak, with Sangiovese in tonneaux and Merlot in barrique. After oak, there is a period finishing in concrete tanks in some reports.
Alcohol ~14.5-14.6%. Vineyard: single-vineyard site “Siepi”, 850 feet elevation, soils of Alberese, calcareous marl & schist mixed with sandstone & clay.
| Sense | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Color & Appearance | Deep ruby-purple, almost inky core. Rich and visually dense. |
| Aroma / Nose | Sweet and savory black fruit: cooked cherry, blackberries, dark plums; undertones of tobacco, sandalwood, roasted game, vanillin, mocha; herbal spice, menthol, maybe bitter orange zest in some notes. |
| Palate / Taste | Full-bodied, opulent, yet well-balanced. Rich Merlot gives plushness and softness; Sangiovese contributes lift, acidity, backbone. Flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, bittersweet fruit, espresso, hints of bitter citrus pith. Oak spice (nutmeg, cinnamon) and smooth tannins. |
| Finish | Long, structured, with firm but polished tannins. There is weight and grip, but it finishes with elegance and complexity—one that will benefit from aging. Some reviewers note a bit of heat creeping in toward the end now, suggesting it’s still immature. |
| Critic / Publication | Score | Key Praise |
|---|---|---|
| James Suckling | 98 pts | Calls it “opulent yet tensioned,” praises its energy, focus, characters of blackberries, violets, black olive skin. Suggests best after 2028. |
| Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate | 96+ | Highlights the sweet fruit underpinnings, cooked cherry, blackberry preserves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Notes it as supple, all-encompassing, balanced and seamless. |
| Vinous (Antonio Galloni) | 96+ | Emphasizes blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, mocha. Calls it plush, succulent, very elegant and polished. Suggests more aging will bring out its full potential. |
| Wine Enthusiast | 96 | Acknowledges its rich fruit, dark chocolate notes, bitter citrus elements for balance; tannins polished yet with grip, especially near the finish. |
| Wine Spectator | 92 | Described as opulent and dense, with black cherry, blackberry, wild rosemary and iron; tannic grip, good balance; suggests drinking 2026-2035. |
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Blend | 50% Merlot / 50% Sangiovese |
| ABV | ~14.5% – 14.6% |
| Maturation | ~18 months in new oak, followed by finishing period in concrete; premium oak usage |
| Ideal Drinking Window | Best from ~2028 through ~2040 (some critics allow from ~2026 for early drinking) |
| Food Pairing Suggestions | Game meats, roasted lamb or beef, aged cheeses, dishes with rich red sauce, dark chocolate desserts. |
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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