IL CAGGIO - 2015 - Ipsus Chianti Classico Gran Selezione - 750 ml.

This is a new project (and a second, independent brand) headed by the Mazzei family of Castello di Fonterutoli. The Caggio 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus strives for Sangiovese purity and a sense of place. It achieves both, thanks to careful work in identifying a cool growing site for the Tuscan variety and a classic or traditional approach to winemaking with carefully managed maceration and aging in oak tonneaux. The results are soulful and profound with wild blueberry or raspberry, forest floor, blue flower and clove-flavored orange peel. The tannins are supple and smooth, yet there is enough structure and linearity to carry the wine forward in time. This was a warm and sunny vintage, and I can't imagine a better growing season from which to create an inaugural wine such as this. Ipsus is a new addition to a very limited group of vinous icons from Tuscany.

James Suckling: 98

This is a fantastic new Chianti Classico from the Mazzei family, from a small estate near Castellina in Chianti. Shows so many perfumes of cherries, strawberries, violets, spices and dried oranges that follow through to a full yet tight and very agile palate. Supple. Intense yet very fine tannins. Extremely long and polished.