2007 Siepi

With this vintage, the Mazzei family was able to move into their new state-of-the-art gravity winery built at the bottom of the hill that is occupied by the ancient Castello di Fonterutoli. The Mazzei 2007 Siepi (a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese) reveals richness and deep concentration with layers of black fruit, earth and sweet spice. On second nose, the wine brings on a pretty ensemble of eucalyptus, mint, cherry cola and powdered licorice.

Full bottle all of 1,514 g. Alcohol: 13.9%. Total acidity: 5.7 g/l. Early veraison and hand-picked starting from 30 August (Merlot), 22 September (Sangiovese). Fermentation temperature: 28–30 °C. Period of maceration: 14 days (Merlot), 16 days (Sangiovese). Ageing: 16–18 months in small French oak barrels (225 litre, 70% new). Bottling: August 2009. Production: 23,000 bottles. Mid garnet shaded out to the rim. Sophisticated, nuanced nose that suggests the wine is absolutely ready now. Merlot dominates but is tempered by the freshness of Sangiovese. This may not be the most obviously Tuscan wine but it's certainly a pleasure to drink at the moment. Extremely digestible and I like the little tangy kick of Sangiovese on the finish. Some supple tannins in evidence. (JR)

The 2007 Siepi is a Sangiovese/Merlot blend that spent roughly 18 months in French oak prior to being bottled. Dark ripe fruit, chocolate, new leather and scorched earth come together beautifully in this dark, weighty Siepi. Once again, I am struck by the purity and definition of the fruit, a hallmark of the best 2007s. The density and richness follows through with authority to the engaging, finessed finish. This is one of the finest Siepis I have ever tasted.