Sangiovese, Merlot
75cl * Vegan * 14.5% ABV * Tuscany, Italy
“This wine could easily compete with a First Growth Bordeaux.” Robert Parker.
The Siepi Vineyard has been owned by the Mazzei family since 1435. But it wasn't until 1985 that Lapo Mazzei grasped the full potential of this vineyard's terroir, and had the foresight to plant Merlot to complement the Sangiovese. And thus, their flagship single vineyard Super Tuscan 'Siepi' debuted in 1992.
Their location and microclimate in the heart of Chianti Classico, with a complex terroir of Alberese limestone marl and Pliocene clay, has allowed for the production of wines perfectly balanced between elegance, power and complexity. It is an equal blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot grown at 230m above sea level, farmed organically since 2006. The grapes are hand-harvested, vinified and aged separately for 18 months in French Oak, 70% new.
The summer of 2016 was characterised by warm - but generally not hot - days, with cooler night into the autumn ensuring optimal ripening and a vintage of outstanding quality. The wine is generous and opulent yet elegant and has remarkably pronounced fruit given its age. Silky tannins on the palate with floral notes and lots of cassis and mint. The finish is long, with sandalwood and tobacco. Its depth will complement flavourful, textured dishes, dark, rich sauces, game, and blue cheeses. Drink now until 2032.
"What a beautiful nose of elderberries, freshly picked blackcurrants, citrus, herbs, licorice and crushed stones, amidst a backdrop of coffee beans, cedar and vanilla. Full-bodied and very subtle and refined with tightly wound tannins and an impressive balance of fruit and acidity. Long, grainy and elegant on the finish. A masterpiece." - 98 Points, JamesSuckling.com
"A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese in equal parts, the 2016 Siepi is a luscious and soft wine that oozes forth with dark berry intensity. The fruit is compact and dense. This wine performs beautifully in terms of aromas, but the mouthfeel is especially fine-tuned and elegant in this classic vintage. Dark fruit is followed by spice, tar, rose bud and sharp mineral nuances that recall the gravel and limestone-rich soils of Chianti Classico. This is perhaps the best vintage of Siepi I have tasted thus far.." - 96 Points, Monica Larmer, The Wine Advocate, October 2018
"The 2016 Siepi, the estate’s Sangiovese/Merlot blend, is a big, rich wine. Black cherry jam, torrefaction, spice, leather, menthol and new French oak are all pushed forward. Time in the glass brings out a good bit of aromatic freshness to balance things out. Readers should expect a potent, seriously concentrated wine." - 95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, July 2019
"Transparent crimson. Very luscious and ripe but contained in Sangiovese freshness which completely dominates the richness of Merlot. Really tangy and appetising. Great balance and a great tribute to the vintage. Perfect balance." 18 Points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, August 2021