Does Siepi or Concerto ring any bells? Great Super-Tuscans by Mazzei we’ve featured in the past, they remain some of the most popular Italian names we’ve ever seen in the $100-150 range, with accolades that suit their caliber.

This today, is the BEST VALUE we have yet seen from Mazzei. Collectible AND affordable, how can you go wrong with a 96 pointer plus double the 94s Cab deal over 40% off?

Maremma! Italy’s answer to Bordeaux, equally legendary without a doubt. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate reminds us that “the emergence of Maremma as one of the world’s leading wine production zones is somewhat of an accident. The region owes its prominence to Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Inspired by the wines of Bordeaux, Incisa wanted to make a similar wine on his own property. In 1944 he planted his first Cabernet vines and subsequently began producing the wine known today as Sassicaia…”

Continuing with the critical statement that “it would take another 20 years and the arrival of other producers such as Grattamacco and Tenuta dell’Ornellaia for the region to establish itself as a source for world class wines. The rest, as they say, is history and today the region’s top wines are among the most coveted and expensive wines being made in Italy.”

Coveted, yes, we got that covered today. But expensive? Hell no!

What’s in the glass? The world. Best of both worlds actually, built like a great Pauillac’s structure this sure sends a nod to Left Bank greats but remains authentically Tuscan with savory depth that only a few great Italian winemakers can attain. Enter Carlo Ferrini, the wizard. We’re nuts about whatever he touches around here, recent sellout features include his own project Giodo, Petrolo, San Leonardo, Roberto Cavalli, Nittardi, the list goes on and on.

Back to the glass, we keep getting distracted. Purple-ish crimson glowing tight rim turns opaque quickly. The perfume is austere, but with air opens up to blackberries, crème de cassis, saddle leather, oregano, and macerated cherries. The palate echoes, with silky yet hefty tannins, hints of violets and minerals all coming together, culminating in a robust and expansive finish that points at cellar-worthiness for a good decade or so with significant softening ahead. Right now, it’s perfect for a Bistecca alla Fiorentina should you decant for a good couple of hours.

The Mazzei family has been at it since 1435!! That’s 26 generations making wine, and they were amongst the first to plant Bordeaux varietals in Tuscany. A flagship from Maremma, made under their auspices of a true master, endorsed by Antonio Galloni’s Vinous as “proprietor Filippo Mazzei and his team led by consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini have done a terrific job…”

Terrific, indeed. At this price it won’t last all day.

96 Points – The Drinks Business

“Palate dense, chewy, masses of tannin, sweet balsamic, some prune, ripe, but fresh, dry finish. Very complete, fleshy, sweet, but lovely dry tannin structure and cedar wood character. Delicious. Old school but delicious. Leather old school but fresh and lifted, mature and hard not to drink.”

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“This is a terrific wine, both opulent and generous. The 2016 Maremma Toscana Tenuta Belguardo is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc that adopts a playfully rich and contemporary style with plenty of southern Tuscan sunshine locked deep within the dark ripeness and softness of the fruit. This vintage, with its hot sunny days and cool nights, delivers precision and balance throughout. This is the top-end wine from the Mazzei family’s property, Tenuta Belguardo, along the Tuscan Coast. Drink 2020-2030.”

94 Points – James Suckling

“A pretty blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with dark berries, blueberries and hints of walnuts. Full body, firm tannins and a polished and caressing finish. Drink in 2020.”