2020 IPSUS Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Jeweled ruby in colour, each step though the palate adds another layer of nuance and enjoyment. Riven through with sage, thyme, rosemary, raspberries, red cherries, black tea, bay, saffron, oyster shell and fine but creamy tannins. Sums up the idea of balanced fruit, tannins and acidity in a way that can sound overly simple but in reality is one of the hardest things to achieve - but you know it when you taste it. Stainless steel fermentation with native yeasts that begin fermentation naturally, aged across a mix of 70% new oak, 20% in 1,500l oak barrels and the final 10% in ceramic vats. Once the blend of different formats takes place, the wine spends another six months in ceramic vats, followed by 14 months in bottle.
The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus is gorgeous. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, dried flowers, spice and blood orange open first in the aromatics. Layered and quite broad, the 2020 exudes class. About 40% of the lots saw submerged-cap maceration, which added a sense of classicism. There is also an element of exoticism that is palpable. Pretty floral and savory overtones reappear on the finish. This such a distinctive wine.