Monika Larner, wine critic at Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has just published her views on Concerto's retrospective tasting that took place for the 40th Anniversary of the wine. For the occasion, a vertical tasting of nine wines was held and included 1981, the first vintage ever made, and the latest release 2021
Last year, Decanter's Master of Wine Susan Hulme reviewed the same vintages. She noticed three clear phases in Concerto's evolution and particularly enjoyed the 2021, the real star of the show (read blog). Monika's favourite was also the 2021, followed by the 2019 and 1994 (read full article).
Concerto's Story
Owned by the Mazzei family since 1435, Concerto was first released in 1981, when the Super-Tuscan movement was getting underway. Only fifteen barriques were made that year.
A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was very harmonious and proved to be so perfectly balanced that it immediately made them think of a symphony, hence the name Concerto.
In the last decade, in response to global warming, the Mazzei family has adopted new techniques to emphasise balance and harmony over power. The results are stunning, and Concerto is now one of the best priced flagship Super-Tuscans available on the market.
Monika Larner's Notes
This retrospective revealed a promising inaugural 1981 vintage with delicate mineral tones and floral highlights. Another standout is the 1994 vintage, which marks the arrival of the estate's current consulting oenologist, Carlo Ferrini. This wine embraces the extra fruit weight and concentration that was fashionable at the time. The recent 2019 and 2021 vintages are also among my favorites.
Concerto's Key Facts
Made by the Mazzei family who spans 600 years of wine expertise.
Created with an eye for long cellar aging.
Conceived with the help of legendary Italian oenologist Giulio Gambelli, who had been mentored by Tancredi Biondi Santi.
Guided by oenologist Carlo Ferrini since 1994 until recent years
Under 40,000 bottles produced on average each year