Mazzoni is the result of a marriage between two long time wine producing families; one in Tuscany and one based in the Napa Valley. The concept has been done before (Ornellaia comes to mind) and today’s pair of wines is a new venture between the Franceschi family of Montalcino’s Il Poggione and the Terlato family – large importer of wine based in Napa.
The wines are made in Tuscany by Alessandro Bindocci and over the last few weeks, we sampled the new releases. The 2012 Mazzoni Bianco is an unspecified blend of Vermentino and Chardonnay. It pours a nice golden color in the glass and has pretty delicate aromas of lemon oil, citrus, and newly mown grass. On the palate, the wine is crisp and dry with nice body contributed by the Chardonnay. Flavors follow the nose and add golden raisin and pineapple. Fresh, with plenty of acidity, this is 100% stainless steel crafted and very well done. Good value. 88 points. About $20. Disclosure: This bottle was an importer provided sample.
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| ~ Crisp and bright – but with nice body from the Chardonnay ~ |
Next up was the Rosso from the stable. Stable allowing for more than one meaning in the instant case. The 2011 Mazzoni Rosso di Toscano is a bright violet color with a slight fade to brick at the rim. A blend of 78% Sangiovese and 22% Merlot, the wine was not decanted, but consumed slowly over a meal which allowed the aromas to develop. At once you are struck by decaying matter and barnyard. Wet leaves, barn hay, fecal matter, red fruit and wet earth comprise the nose. It did not blow off during the evening. On the palate, the wine is drying and seems slightly under-fruited. There’s a crescent of red berry fruit aligned with some wet earth, green tobacco, and dried herb notes, but the balance is not quite right. This is not made in a style I appreciate. 84 points. Approximately $20. Disclosure: This bottle was an importer provided sample.
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| ~ A bit of a disappointment here ~ |
Salute!
