1996 Castello di Fonterutoli

The impressive 1996 Siepi is a black/purple-colored blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot. This wine could easily compete with a first-growth Bordeaux. While a monster in terms of its extraction and massive richness, it never comes close to being heavy or out of balance. Long, rich, and full-bodied, with copious quantities of jammy black currant and blackberry fruit interwoven with spicy new oak, smoke, dried herbs, and chocolate, this thrilling wine will be at its finest between 2004-2020. -- Rated 93 points by Robert Parker.