2016 Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 750 ml

After falling hard for the 2015 Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva—and selling out of our allocation within days—we went straight to the Tuscan source to ensure we had dibs on the 2016 vintage. That was before we knew this Ser Lapo would (once again) receive 95 points from James Suckling. And before we knew that it would be even better than its predecessor.

Yet another reminder of how gorgeously complex and versatile good Chianti can be, at 95 points and under $30 on cases, Mazzei Ser Lapo’s Chianti Classico Riserva is worth flying to Italy to secure—it’s that rare, cellar-worthy red that drinks like a Ferrari though it’s priced like a Fiat.  

Modern and dramatically layered, this wine doubles down on its ability to seriously over-deliver for the money. The aroma profile immediately draws you in with intense Morello cherry, black raspberry, sage, allspice, clove, dried herbs, violet, and a subtle hint of iron minerality.

The Sangiovese character unfurls beautifully on the palate, where black cherry, marjoram, and a fresh herbal component dovetail with complex vanilla bean and spice notes from the Mazzei family’s impressive use of French oak—widening its appeal to well beyond your average Chianti lover. Supported by a firm tannic frame, the only thing that lingers longer than the finish on the 2016 Ser Lapo is the nagging feeling that you should have gone for that second case. 

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate called it “a terrific wine...that gives you an authentic albeit contemporary taste of Tuscany” and which “reflects the best qualities of this classic vintage.” James Suckling clearly agrees, praising its “full body and super fine and ripe tannins [that] melt into the wine.”

The Mazzei family is one of the most historic wine families in Italy. For over 600 years, the last 26 generations of Mazzei family winemakers have been producing benchmark Italian wines from their historic Castello di Fonterutoli estate in Tuscany, making it one of the oldest running Italian companies of any kind.  

The family created this Chianti Classico Riserva in order to celebrate their famous ancestor Ser Lapo, author of the first official document mentioning “Chianti wine” on December 16th, 1398. (The wine’s label features a faithful reproduction of the document drawn up by Ser Lapo in his handwriting). But that wasn’t the family’s only historic contribution.

A few generations later, Filippo Mazzei introduced American vine growing in Monticello, Virginia to his friend, Thomas Jefferson, before sticking around to essentially inspire Jefferson’s “all men are created equal” credo.

After spending some time with them (and sealing the deal on this 2016 over dinner at the estate’s osteria), Robert and Vanessa found the Mazzei family of today to be just as impressive as their ancestors. The iconic clan is still making some of the most internationally prized Chianti Classico in Tuscany, with an appeal that far exceeds the category.

Despite the centuries of tradition, or (more likely) because of them, 2016 Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva is a thoroughly modern wine—as comfortable served alongside the most elegant Bistecca alla Fiorentina as it would be paired with Tuesday’s takeout pizza. At 95 points and under $30, it doesn’t get much more versatile than that.