Mazzei returns with something truly special!

You’ll remember their Siepi, Mix 36, Concerto… unforgettable Tuscan deals that took our site by storm. This time it’s Philip… with big accolades, and a big legacy, at a small price to pay, today, on Wine Spies only.

As film and wine critic Patricia Thomson accurately penned, there’s great history with the name and the label: “named after Philip Mazzei, an intriguing, if minor, player in the formative years of the United States of America… he’s the one who brought the first Vitis Vinifera to the Colonies and planted the first commercial vineyards in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This was in 1774 on land obtained through his neighbor, Thomas Jefferson, as well as on Jefferson’s own Monticello plantation.”

And that was “just” 250 years ago because the Mazzei family has been at it since 1435! That’s 26 generations of winemaking, and they were amongst the first to plant Bordeaux varietals in Tuscany. A true master is at the helm here too, endorsed by Antonio Galloni’s Vinous as “proprietor Filippo Mazzei and his team led by consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini have done a terrific job…”

Carlo Ferrini is a true wizard. We’re nuts about whatever he touches around here, regular sellout features include his own Giodo, Petrolo, San Leonardo, Roberto Cavalli, Nittardi, and the list goes on and on…

His signature style is all over this wine, unabashedly Tuscan while letting the purity, intensity, and telltale complexity of Cabernet shine through. Ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries, with layers of mocha and cocoa, abound the nose, and the rich, gripping pallet with firm but plush tannins. A redder berry tone comes through the spicy finish where licorice, fresh cracked black pepper, and cardamom nuances build up for over a minute. Either enjoy young with juicy steaks or lay down to mature. You’re going to be glad you stashed a few.

Double the 94 points and a mere 30 bucks and change for world-class, Napa-busting Cabernet.

How can you go wrong?

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“This wine is a symbolic bridge from the Old World to the New. The Mazzei 2019 Philip is an all-Tuscan expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers rich texture, ripeness and ripe fruit. The wine is named after Philip Mazzei (1730–1816), who was a contemporary of Thomas Jefferson. The two men reportedly exchanged winemaking tips and vineyard techniques. The 2019 vintage nails that proverbial sweet spot between softness, structure, fruit and spice. This is a plush, fruit-forward and balanced Tuscan red. Drink 2022-2038.”

94 Points – James Suckling

“Very tight and firm with polished tannins that are poised and creamy-textured. The fruit shows plenty of blackberry and raspberry character. Lightly chewy finish. Better after 2024, when it will have opened up.”