2012 Siepi
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Tasting notes
Like 2011, 2012 was a hot vintage (with a complete absence of rain in summer), but it also saw a chilly winter with abundant snow and good underground moisture reserves for deep roots. Production was lower with the Mazzei 2012 Siepi, which saw about 14,000 bottles produced because of lower yields and more stringent fruit selection during harvest. This wine shows a distinctive and elegant bouquet with balsam herb and rosemary beyond dark fruit and dried plum. The mouthfeel is moderate in length and depth, but there is a note of freshness that comes out nicely on the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Full bottles of this and subsequent vintages all of 1,519 g. Alcohol: 13.99%. Total acidity: 7.38 g/l. Sangiovese crop was shrunk by April frost. Very hot, dry summer was broken by late August rain and then cooler temperatures. Harvest of a crop of healthy grapes reduced by 25–30% started 10 September (Merlot), 1 October (Sangiovese). Fermentation temperature: 26–28 °C. Period of maceration: 14 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese). Ageing: 18 months in small French oak barrels (225 litre, 70% new). Bottling: December 2014. Production: 14,000 bottles. Transparent garnet. Quite evolved, well-integrated nose with the merest trace of oak and neither ingredient dominant – although I should imagine there is more Merlot in the blend than Sangiovese. Rather more delicate and ethereal than some other vintages with more obvious acidity and less-ripe tannins – characteristics I'd more readily associate with Sangiovese than Merlot! Is this the result of vine shutdown during summer? (JR)
The 20th vintage of this 50/50 Sangiovese/Merlot blend, celebrated by a special anniversary label. 18,000 bottles produced. Scented, even a hint of lavender, so dry and so fine. Dark fruited and extremely elegant. Real finesse already and a dusty, mineral quality that adds to that effect. Nevertheless there is a juicy freshness. Nothing flashy about this. It gets sweeter-fruited and softer with time in the glass and overall it seems to be marked more by the Sangiovese than by the Merlot. (JH)
The 2012 Siepi is soft, forward and supple, with an attractive core of open-knit fruit and mid-weight structure. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, spice and new leather all flesh out in the glass. Although a solid wine, the 2012 lacks the excitement and thrill of the best vintages.