2020 Mazzei Siepi

First made in 1992 Mazzei’s Siepi is a super Tuscan blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot that’s aged for 18 months in small French oak barrels (70% new) followed by 3 months in concrete tanks. Midnight black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Attractive red currant and red cherry scents stream from the glass intermingling with violet, mulberry, fresh herb, dusty vanillin cedar and spice notes along the way. Mid weighted and beautifully refined, the palate is layered with rich red currant and red cherry fruits which carry ample freshness, backed by a sturdy yet seamlessly integrated fine grained matrix of tannins. Notions of vanillin cedar, tobacco, mulberry, dried herbs, earth and spice add sophistication. Superb depth and polish with the long, elegant finish one of great finesse and class.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
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

Dried herbs and sweet spices on the nose, forest notes with bramble fruits, concentrated and expressive. Such a smooth delivery on the palate, tannins glide across the tongue giving the sweet strawberry, raspberry and plum fruit time to expand in the mouth as the acidity gives a mouthwatering aspect. This is very much on the lively and vibrant fruit - shouting loudly about its energy. Feels extremely well made, clear definition, finesse and balance. Such a gorgeous fruit profile, the high-toned strawberry and cherry, bright and piercing, yet also round and generous with tobacco and wood nuances. Ample tannins are fine but present, giving support. All round an exceptionally beautiful wine. I love this. Giving such immediate and youthful enjoyment but this will continue to age well. Ageing 18 months in French oak barrels (70% new), barriques (Merlot), tonneaux (Sangiovese), followed by four months in concrete tanks.
98 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter

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. Drink: 2026 - 2040.
96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese, the Mazzei 2020 Siepi is a terrific vintage in a long line of wines that I had the pleasure of tasting through last year in a complete retrospective. The first vintage produced was 1992. The soils in the Siepi vineyard are especially deep, and the site is surrounded by forests to keep it cool. These conditions give rise to abundant aromas of sweet black cherry, underbrush and blue wild flower. This is a medium to full-bodied Tuscan red that shows enormous elegance and depth. Drink: 2023 - 2040.
95 points
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate