Absolutely great Tignanello from Tenuta Antinori from Tuscany

Antinori has done it again. With a classic personality, the Marchesi Antinori Tignanello 2019 is a phenomenal wine coming onto the market now. The blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc is so clear and detailed. The 2016 vintage was certainly a benchmark, but 2019 surpasses everything. Absolutely top-notch! Consequently, it receives a spirited 98 points from Monica Larner (Robert Parker Wine Advocate).

Upon first inspection, the 2019 vintage presents a deconstructed Tignanello, as the varietal characteristics of the grapes are clearly discernible—particularly the green herbs and white pepper of the two Cabernets—along with aromas of crushed limestone reminiscent of the white rocks carefully placed in the vineyards to protect the rows. The wine's fruitiness is polished, with no excesses or loose ends. Perfect balance. With time in the glass, those deconstructed elements come together to create unity and balance.

The 2019 vintage, born from a sometimes challenging growing season, ultimately evokes more surprise and emotion. It displays crisp and linear elegance. It is so aromatic with flowers, such as cherry blossoms and roses, along with redcurrants and blackberries. The Marchesi Antinori Tignanello 2019 has very fine tannins and depth. Spicy and a very, very long finish. Pure and refined. Lots of dark black fruit. Tight at the finish, but with a refined and reserved style. Very refined. The wine has aging potential up to 2040. We find it at its best after about 7-8 years. A wine like this also deserves beautiful and refined dishes such as Steak Fiorentina of een Beef Wellington.

98/100 points Robert Parker

95/100 points James Suckling

Antinori

Piero Antinori found on his estate Tenuta Tignanello, in the heart of Chianti Classico, the ideal terroir for Tuscan Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux. He created a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged it in small oak barriques. Entirely against the rules of the DOCG Chianti Classico, but he did produce a magnificent wine with it: Tignanello. Consequently, this wine holds a “regular” IGT appellation.

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is situated in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hills between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers. It extends over an area of ​​319 hectares (788 acres), of which approximately 130 (321 acres) are dedicated to vines. Two of the estate’s prized vineyards, Tignanello and Solaia, lie on the same hill, on soils derived from Pliocene marine marlstone, rich in limestone and slate. The vines enjoy warm temperatures during the day and cooler evenings during the growing season. The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are produced from these vineyards and are described by the international press as “one of the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”.