Mazzei Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 94] [WA 93] [VM 92] [WS 92]

About the Winery:
is one of Italy's oldest and most historic wine dynasties, owned and operated by the same family for nearly 600 years across 25 generations. At their estates in Fonterutoli, Belguardo, and Zisola, they aim to create wines that help define the local grape varieties. A deep respect for the land and a devotion to sustainable practices is at the heart of their core values. Their goal is to preserve the land so future generations can carry on the tradition of Tuscan winemaking. 

About the Wine:
Appellation: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Composition: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot

Vineyards: Cornia and Caggiolo; estate plots surrounding Fonterutoli

Elevation: 820 to 1150 feet (250 - 350 m)

Soil: Cornia - clay and limestone; Caggiolo - calcareous Alberese with clay texture

Maturation: 12 months in small French oak barrels (50% new)

Alcohol: 13.7%

Tasting Notes:
Fresh, tannic, with aroma of berries, strong structure, earthy and intense taste.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - James Suckling: 
"Notes of glazed cherries and ripe raspberries with candied orange peel, red licorice and hints of violets. Medium- to full-bodied with chocolaty texture and firm, but polished tannins. Shows depth and richness to its fruit. Compact and lengthy. Chalky finish. Drink or hold." (Jul 2023)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Mazzei 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo shows blackberry, blackcurrant and a savory note of toasted spice. This is a more elaborate, hot-vintage expression with extra heft and pulp. Sangiovese is blended with 10% Merlot and aged in barrel for 12 months. You can up the food-pairing possibilities with this bottle to include wild boar or stewed rabbit, thanks to the wine's generous, mid-weight texture. Production is 260,000 bottles." - Monica Larner (Sep 2023)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Ser Lapo is bright, vibrant and full of energy. Crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, chalk and white pepper abound. As is so often the case, the Ser Lapo is one of the hidden gems in the Mazzei range. Then again, the core of Ser Lapo is sourced from the Caggio property, where the Mazzei family makes their top of the line Gran Selezione Ipsus. (Drink between 2023-2032)." - Antonio Galloni (Aug 2023)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"There is purity to the black cherry and blackberry fruit in this satiny red, which is backed by a layer of solid tannins. Earth, leather and wild rosemary accents add detail as this plays out on the lingering finish. This is an iron fist in a velvet glove. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2042. 28,300 cases made, 21,000 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Jun 2024)