Belguardo Mazzei 2003
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Wine &
Spirits -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Winemaker Notes
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
The Mazzei family took over the 173-acre Belguardo estate in the 1990s. This vintage (65 percent sangiovese with cabernet sauvignon and a touch of merlot) has the powerful tannin typical of the year, while the fruit retains the fresh flavors of black plums and currants. The texture is generous and supple before a blast of stony tannin takes over in the end. The overall impression is smooth and rich, with that smoke-breathing finish creating a lovely contrast. Check on this six to eight years from the vintage.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is an expressive and lively blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese that boasts dark, meaty concentration, an inky black appearance and big toasted notes of roasted nut, cedar, leather and spice. It is distinguished by polished tannins and outstanding intensity on the palate.
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Wine Spectator
Wonderful aromas of concentrated blackberry, toasted oak and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with loads of berry and cherry character. Lots of vanilla. Long. Big and juicy wine. Very close to the 2002. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.
Power and freshness define Belguardo wines, from the estate’s structured Bordeaux blend to the refreshing, bright Vermentino. The ability to produce such diverse wines is owed to the Maremma, where Belguardo lies, six miles in from the Tuscan coastline bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Mazzei family, owner of Chianti Classico’s highly esteemed Castello di Fonterutoli, took the helm at the Belguardo estate in the 1990s after recognizing the area’s potential for quality winemaking. In the years since, the Mazzei family has established Belguardo among the top producers in this exciting, fast emerging wine region.
After acquiring the land, the Mazzei’s implemented an intense replanting campaign throughout the Belguardo property with careful, studied selection of varieties and clones. Along with the introduction of traditional grapes such as Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the family is currently undertaking a research and development project to cultivate an ancient local variety found only in the oldest vineyards of nearby Scansano. These efforts are an example of the family’s philosophy to create wines that convey the terroir from which they’re produced.
Belguardo’s logo is designed after Leonardo da Vinci’s geometrical symbol, a rhombicboctahedron, representing representing a union between precision, perspective, and proportion.
Belguardo comprises a total of 173 acres (70 hectares). The vineyard area is planted at altitudes ranging from 70-130 meters (230-426 feet) above sea level, with south/southwest exposure. The well-drained soil comprises of limestone and sandstone rocks.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.