About the Wine
This wine is dedicated to the family’s most notable ancestor, Philip Mazzei (1730-1816), an illustrious political thinker, philosopher, and winemaker. A close friend of Thomas Jefferson, he planted the first vineyards at Jefferson’s estate in Monticello, VA. Philip’s political writings were influential to the soon-to-be president, particularly on matters of equality. Philip advocated that “all men are by nature equally free and independent,” which later served as an inspiration for the writing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. In his honor, the Mazzei’s developed Philip, a Cabernet Sauvignon made from a blend of grapes grown at Castello di Fonterutoli and Belguardo, their two estates in Tuscany.
The Mazzei’s Tuscan estates include Castello di Fonterutoli in Chianti Classico, characterized by mainly limestone soils. Half of Philip comes from these estate vineyards. The other half is sources from their Belguardo property in the Meramma, roughly six miles inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Soils here are primarily composed of sandstone.
For 26 generations, the Mazzei family has been producing benchmark Italian wines from their historic Castello di Fonterutoli estate in Tuscany and more recently in the Maremma, Sicily, and the Veneto. The passion, commitment, and expertise that goes into these expressive wines are a reflection of the Mazzei’s spirit of innovation and respect for each property’s unique terroir.
Aging: 18 months in French and American oak barrels (30% new).
Tasting Notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep, dark purple in color. On the nose, intriguing black cherry, balsamic herbs, coffee, and lightly toasted oak. Harmonious flavors of dark fruit, dried flowers, chocolate, and vanilla. Exotic, complex character, full-bodied with polished tannins.
Reviews
Really attractive aromas of cherries, cedar, citrus, and flowers follow through to a full-body with fine, polished tannins and delicious fruit. Savory with an ash and stone undertone to the fruit character. Drinkable now, but better after 2023. ~94 James Suckling
A reasonably priced IGT Toscana worthy of a filet mignon, the Mazzei 2016 Philip is Cabernet Sauvignon (with a tiny bit of Cabernet Franc). It shows terrific balance and intensity in this classic vintage. Dark fruit, blackberry, cassis, spice, tar, and leather build intensity as the wine warms in the glass. It demonstrates impeccable balance and beautifully polished length, making this a wine that offers elegance and power in equal measure. ~93+ Robert Parker
Cherry, black currant, wild herb, and woodsy flavors converge with the elegant structure in this red, which is harmonious and supple, with a fresh finish that echoes the fruit, savory, and spice notes. Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2025 ~92 Wine Spectator
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