Castello di Fonterutoli Siepi Vertikale 2003, 2006, 2008 (3 Fl.)

Parker zu 2006: Siepi enters a new chapter with this vintage, a beautiful achievement by the Mazzei family and their talented consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini. The Mazzei 2006 Siepi is in cruise control at the height of its drinking potential right now. This blend of Merlot and Sangiovese (aged in French oak for 18 months) is exuberant and lively with hints of blackberry, wild plum and dried currant. The vintage offers good freshness to keep it lively, and there are pretty renderings of spice and smoke that soften up the finish. This wine has found its balance today, some 16 years after the grapes came off the vines.

Parker zu 2008: Siepi was not produced in 2009 and 2014, so the vintage after this is 2010. Considered an underdog at the time, the 2008 vintage far exceeds expectations now that the wine has been given ample time to age and evolve. I remembered being similarly surprised and delighted by this vintage of the Sangiovese-based wine Flaccianello della Pieve (by Fontodi) made in the nearby village of Panzano. Like that wine, the Mazzei 2008 Siepi (a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese that sees a standard 18 months in French oak) has come into its own today. The 2008 vintage was on the cool side, and the fruit today is generous, smooth and sweet to taste.