Castello di Fonterutoli Siepi Vertikale 2010-2012 (3 Fl.)

Parker zu 2010: The Mazzei 2010 Siepi follows directly after the 2008 vintage because the wine was not produced in 2009. This is classic Siepi (a Tuscan blend of Merlot and Sangiovese with fruit from the village of Castellina in Chianti). The wine is balanced and elegant, rather shy initially, but it opens to pretty menthol notes that come from the French grape as well as dried berry, cassis and blue flower that come from the Italian grape. With a little time in the glass, this vintage remains direct, lifted and vertical in personality. The wine starts slowly, but it comes into full bloom with pretty intensity.

Parker zu 2012: Like 2011, 2012 was a hot vintage (with a complete absence of rain in summer), but it also saw a chilly winter with abundant snow and good underground moisture reserves for deep roots. Production was lower with the Mazzei 2012 Siepi, which saw about 14,000 bottles produced because of lower yields and more stringent fruit selection during harvest. This wine shows a distinctive and elegant bouquet with balsam herb and rosemary beyond dark fruit and dried plum. The mouthfeel is moderate in length and depth, but there is a note of freshness that comes out nicely on the finish.