Mazzei "Philip" 2021

96 pts, James Suckling

A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mazzei, a Tuscan family that has made wine for 25 generations since 1435, at 13.5% ABV. The wine is named for Philip Mazzei, a family ancestor and political theorist who lived in Virginia alongside Thomas Jefferson in the 1700s. Family history holds he helped shape the phrase "all men are created equal."

The 2021 is full of dark fruit and spice: blackberry, black cherry, cloves, and black pepper, with leather, dark chocolate, and coffee underneath, all wrapped in velvety tannins and a long, fresh finish. James Suckling scored it 96 points, with Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast both at 94 and Wine Spectator at 90. Built to age for decades, but delicious with a game stew, a wedge of aged blue cheese, or something with real spice behind it.