2021, Mazzei Siepi, TOSCANA ROSSO

A blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot.

Immediately arresting, in that gorgeous Siepi way where the aromatics hug you and draw you straight into the glass. Love the dark pepper spices, well balanced by tobacco, rose petals, raspberry and greengage plum, sweet spices and fresh orange-peel acidities. Beautiful vintage of this wine, totally moreish and great quality. 70% new oak in barrels of various sizes, 225l for the Merlot and larger oak casks for the Sangiovese. Plenty of room for ageing this. Mazzei family, 6ha estate. 96 Jane Anson.

The 2021 Siepi is impressive. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and mocha are nicely dialed up. This plush, succulent Sangiovese/Merlot blend is quite the charmer, as it so often is. The 2021 is exceptionally elegant and polished, certainly one of the best editions in recent memory. All that said, my view is that Siepi would benefit from longer aging in wood and or glass, as it is released too early for a wine of its stature and potential. 96+ Antonio Galloni, Vinous.