2018 Concerto

A satisfyingly measured vintage, with plenty of appealing red cherry and raspberry fruit that hit right from the first sip. Given weight and depth by waves of grilled and charred oak, along with Tuscan dried herbs, leather, cloves and red liqourice. A lovely wine with grace and mouthwatering ease, less concentration than years like 2013 or 2019 but absolutley on point when it comes to delivering pleasure and a desire to pull up a chair and take some time out of your day. 70% new oak. Harvest started September 18. Owned by Marchesi Mazzei.

I tasted this wine from the 2018 vintage and the 2019 vintage at the same time. It was great fun to be able to compare and contrast. The Mazzei 2018 Concerto di Fonterutoli (an 80-20 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon) is a true crowd-pleaser. There is beautiful roundness, depth and intensity here with the fundamental characteristics of both grapes showing with true grit. It opens to a darkly saturated appearance and terrific aromatic richness that incorporates elements of dark cherry, prune, spice, savory leather and smoked bacon. I'm opening up the drinking window since I last tasted this wine from barrel to accommodate those lovely, softly evolving tannins.

The 2018 Concerto di Fonterutoli is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky blue fruit, crème de cassis, licorice, spice and menthol, meld together in a sumptuous, voluptuous wine that marries vibrancy with opulence. This beautifully layered, racy red will drink well for the next decade or so. The 2018 is just gorgeous.