2000 Mazzei Family Siepi
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Tasting notes
The Mazzei 2000 Siepi is unique when set against the other wines in this historic retrospective. This blend of Merlot and Sangiovese is especially herbal or medicinal in character with balsam tones and chopped mint. Merlot is often described as "minty" especially as its ages in bottle. Those characteristics are evident here and you also get some eucalyptus leaf and rosemary sprig. When speaking with Filippo and Francesco Mazzei during this tasting, they told me that Merlot tends be more sensitive to its Tuscan environment when compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot shares more with Sangiovese and becomes what they describe as "Chiantigiante" (or Chianti-like) compared to other international varieties.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Cool, humid early summer hastened the ripening and then very hot, dry August shrivelled some grapes. Selection was needed. Alcohol: 14.2%. Total acidity: 5.4 g/l. Harvest: hand-picked starting 28 August (Merlot), 25 September (Sangiovese). Fermentation temperature: 30–32 °C. Period of maceration: 16 days (Merlot), 18 days (Sangiovese). Ageing: 16 months in small (225-litre) French oak barrels. Bottling: June 2002. Production: 30,000 bottles. Mid crimson. Very hot, ripe nose. Sweet start and then the acid kicks in. Not one of the best-integrated vintages. There's a slightly tarry quality to it, rather than real fruity core. (JR)