Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 96
This was an iconic vintage, and the superiority of the 2016 growing season, with lots of sunshine and cool summer nights, shows. A blend of equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese, the Mazzei 2016 Siepi is profound, vibrant, nuanced and lifted. The Merlot plays an important role in grounding the wine, adding both texture and volume. However, the Sangiovese is almost more important in my opinion, especially in this sample. The bouquet is fresh and lively with plenty of wild cherry, rose, crushed stone, lilac and lavender. One of the big changes made in 2016 is the introduction of a four-month finishing period in concrete tanks. This wine is showing beautifully now, but it has many more years to give. Production was 35,000 bottles.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2035
Vinous 95
The 2016 Siepi, the estate’s Sangiovese/Merlot blend, is a big, rich wine. In 2016, the Merlot is especially prominent. 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.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2041