Philip (2020)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon with rich dark fruit flavors and polished tannins.
About this wine
The 2013 Philip Mazzei Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany presents a deep, dark purple hue. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of black cherry, balsamic herbs, coffee, and lightly toasted oak. The palate reveals harmonious flavors of dark fruit, dried flowers, chocolate, and vanilla, creating an exotic and complex character. This full-bodied wine is well-structured with polished tannins, providing a smooth and lingering finish. Notably, this wine honors Philip Mazzei, an 18th-century political thinker and winemaker whose ideas influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, originally from Bordeaux, France, has been cultivated in Tuscany since the 18th century. Its adaptability to various climates and soils has made it a favored choice among Tuscan winemakers. In the 1970s, the emergence of 'Super Tuscans' showcased the successful blending of Cabernet Sauvignon with traditional Italian grapes, leading to innovative and high-quality wines. The 2013 Mazzei Philip is a notable example, being a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine that reflects this rich history and the grape's integration into Tuscan viticulture.
Quick facts
- 📜 The 2013 Philip Mazzei Cabernet Sauvignon is dedicated to Philip Mazzei, an Italian political thinker and close friend of Thomas Jefferson, who influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
- 🍇 This wine is crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the Mazzei family's Tuscan estates, Castello di Fonterutoli and Belguardo, combining the elegance of Chianti Classico with the richness of Maremma.
- 🛢️ The 2013 vintage underwent 18 months of aging in French and American oak barrels, 30% of which were new, enhancing its complexity and depth.
- 🍷 Tasting notes for this wine include deep, dark purple color, aromas of black cherry, balsamic herbs, coffee, and lightly toasted oak, with flavors of dark fruit, dried flowers, chocolate, and vanilla.
- 🏆 The 2013 Philip Mazzei Cabernet Sauvignon received high praise from critics, including a 94-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
Palate profile
Producer
The Mazzei family has been producing wine since 1435, making them one of the oldest winemaking families in Italy. Their estate, Castello di Fonterutoli, is located in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. Ser Lapo Mazzei, an ancestor, authored the first known document mentioning 'Chianti wine' in 1398. Another notable family member, Philip Mazzei, was a friend of Thomas Jefferson and played a role in introducing European viticulture to Virginia in the 18th century. Today, the 25th generation of the Mazzei family continues to innovate while honoring their rich heritage.
