2020 IPSUS

Unique aromas of hibiscus, cherries, violets, sandalwood and lychees. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied with very fine tannins that caress your mouth and leave a creamy impression. The tannins melt into the wine. Peach, citrus and cherry character at the end. It’s intensely fruity yet extremely refined and poised. A superb Chianti Classico. Gorgeous to drink now, but will be even better from 2027. (05/2024)

This is a special limited-production project imagined by the Mazzei family in Castellina in Chianti. This noble clan owns some of the area's most promising vineyards, including the legendary, forest-lined Siepi. Not too far way is the spine of a hill that extends over to the Sangiovese vines used to make this wine. The Caggio 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus is engineered to produce fruit brightness, freshness and transparency. The wine succeeds each year I have tasted it (with the first vintage being 2015), but I think special props should be given in a vintage like 2020, which veered toward the warm side of the spectrum. Indeed, Ipsus offers primary fruit first and foremost; however, hints of smoke and light spice also appear. There is cherry versus cumin seed or cassis versus cardamom. The wine shows good fruit weight and length, despite its elegant frame. - Monica Larner (07/2024)