Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus Il Caggio 2020 (1.5L)

99 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "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." 05/24

96 Points, Bruce Sanderson, HOT WINE: "A core of cherry and raspberry fruit is framed by vanilla and resin notes in this intense red. Floral, iron and tobacco accents add depth and complexity, while the supple texture eventually gives way to dense tannins on the long aftertaste. Rides a line between power and elegance. The terrific length reveals its potential. Best from 2026 through 2042..." 11/24

98 Points, Raffaele Mosca, Decanter: "Unmistakably Chianti Classico in its light and translucent colour, ferrous and animal touches overlay a hypnotising array of kirsch, sandalwood, tobacco and damp earth, with a subtle cinnamon and roasted coffee frame. Blood orange and iron dominate a concentrated yet staggeringly bright mouthfeel. Youthfully clenching tannins underpin crunchy red cherries, undergrowth and seamlessly interwoven balsamic oak, loosening their grip in a munificent finish. Spontaneous fermentation was followed by ageing in a mix of new French and Austrian oak tonneaux, 500 hL casks and ceramic vats for 24 months. Total production amounted to 4,618 bottles in this vintage..." 06/24

96 Points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate: "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..." 07/24

100 Points, Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com: "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..." 07/24