Reviewed on 2019-01-28
By
Rating 91
Style Red
Blend , Merlot
Vintage 2014
Appellation
Tuscany
Italy
ABV 13%
Price $27.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker

Perfect For

Cooking And Sipping, Dinner Parties, Steak Dinner

Drink If You Like

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot , Sangiovese

Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico DOCG 2014 Review

Although Merlot is not native to the Chianti area it has been there for a long time, and when done well, it can be a nice addition to the Chianti blend. Here the famous Mazzei family of Thomas Jefferson fame (they helped establish vineyards in Virginia back in the day) adds 10% of Merlot to this Riserva to take the rough edges off the Sangiovese. It doesn’t completely do this, but the wine is soft and supple, which is typical of wines from the Castellina township, with notes of cherry and vanilla under a layer of rose petals and earth. That rustic edge shows up on the palate, belying true balance, yet this is a good wine for a big meal.

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91
POINTS
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico DOCG 2014
Although Merlot is not native to the Chianti area it has been there for a long time, and when done well, it can be a nice addition to the Chianti blend. Here the famous Mazzei family of Thomas Jefferson fame (they helped establish vineyards in Virginia back in the day) adds 10% of Merlot to this Riserva to take the rough edges off the Sangiovese. It doesn’t completely do this, but the wine is soft and supple, which is typical of wines from the Castellina township, with notes of cherry and vanilla under a layer of rose petals and earth. That rustic edge shows up on the palate, belying true balance, yet this is a good wine for a big meal.

Reviewed On: 01-28-2019
91
POINTS
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico DOCG 2014
Although Merlot is not native to the Chianti area it has been there for a long time, and when done well, it can be a nice addition to the Chianti blend. Here the famous Mazzei family of Thomas Jefferson fame (they helped establish vineyards in Virginia back in the day) adds 10% of Merlot to this Riserva to take the rough edges off the Sangiovese. It doesn’t completely do this, but the wine is soft and supple, which is typical of wines from the Castellina township, with notes of cherry and vanilla under a layer of rose petals and earth. That rustic edge shows up on the palate, belying true balance, yet this is a good wine for a big meal.

Reviewed On: 01-28-2019