The Old World is the Old World for a reason.
The Mazzei family has been making wine for generations in Tuscany. As the yarn unfolds, it was Ser Lapo Mazzei who recorded the first ever use of the word “Chianti” in written form. The label of the 2009 Ser Lapo relates the story:
“On this 16th day of December 1398, 3 floria, 26 soldi and 8 denari shall be given to Piero di Tino di Riccio for 6 barrels of Chianti wine, the aforementioned we pay by written letter of Ser Lapo Mazzei.” It is in his honor that this Chianti Classico Riserva is named.
This wasn’t always the case, however. In 1995, Fonterutoli ceased production of Ser Lapo in favor of creating a new “Super Chianti Classico” simply called Castello di Fonterutoli. However, sometime around 2008, the Mazzei’s purchased the “Il Caggio” estate adjacent to their property and began harvesting Sangiovese in order to reinvent the Ser Lapo wine. That brings us to today, and this outstanding Chianti Classico Riserva.
The 2009 Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva hails from vineyards in Castellina in Chianti. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then refined in french barrique for 12 months, 50% of which are new.
The wine displays a deep garnet color with vibrant ruby highlights that yield penetrating aromas of crushed wild berry, sweet pipe tobacco, fresh herbs and anise seed. I love how this smells. On the palate, the marriage of Sangiovese and Merlot is impressive. Deftly balanced, the flavors of espresso, spice, crushed berry and plums are silky, elegant, juicy and concentrated. There is nothing not to like here. Like it’s 2008 sibling, this is an outstanding wine and an even better value. 92 points. About $20. Find this wine.
~ Ser Lapo 2009 & a little reading material before dinner ~ |
The Old World is the Old World for a reason. Romantically so.
Cin Cin!
Hi.
Do you have any idea, about the 2011, is that as good as 2009 ?
havent tried this wine, but am interested after reading your thoughts on the wine.
Thanks in advance.
Flemming
Anyone else that have tried the 2011, of this wine ?
Hi Flemming. Apologies as I'm just now seeing this. 2011 was a very fine year for Chianti Classico and although I haven't tried Ser Lapo from the vintage, I certainly would not hesitate to do so. For an overview of 2011 and other current vintages on the market, please see my Major Report on Current Release Chianti. There are a number of wines in there from the 2011 vintage including commentary on the vintage as a whole. Let me know if you have trouble finding it and thanks for reading and commenting. John
Hi John.
Thanks for coming back and answering my question, its because here in Denmark it is not possible to get the wine but from Austria i have a possibility even for an OK price, so i will have to order a 6 pack 🙂 therefor my question.
Will see if i can find your post on Chianti and give it a read.
Thank you for the always good posting here on the block.
Flemming
Flemming, The Chianti Report is currently a Top 5 popular report. Here is a direct link if you need it: http://tuscanvines.blogspot.com/2015/02/current-release-chianti-complete.html
Thanks!