Tignanello commands attention. But as a writer, what do you say about a wine so iconic that hasn’t already been said?
Tenuta Tignanello is arguably one of Tuscany’s best and most important wine estates. Despite encompassing a vast 788 acres of land, less than half of that total are devoted to vines. Three wines are made from estate fruit: Solaia, Tignanello and Marchese Antinori Riserva. The former pair are sourced from two separate vineyards which share the same hillside on the estate. They represent some of the best wine Tuscany has to offer.
I’ve tasted the subject of today’s article 4 or 5 times since it’s been released. Prior to this review, my most recent experience was in Roma. From the start, it has always been expressive and delicious. In all of those tastings, I’ve never decanted the wine and this time there was no exception. In the article referenced above, I rated the wine 97 points. My readers know by now that I am generally parsimonious with awarding points. But, 2019 Tignanello is a masterpiece and this wine deserves the accolades.
~ The Antinori Family span 26 generations in Tuscany ~
The 2019 Antinori Tignanello is a deep garnet color in the glass with a fade to magenta at the edge of the bowl. Immediately, at the first smell, you are captivated. Black cherry aromas are fresh, primary and deep. The wine actually smells juicy! Complementing aromas of infused pipe tobacco and toasted baking spices are wonderful.
In the mouth is where this wine hits another level. Pure, vibrant, silky flavors of black cherry are viscous and full in the mouth without being heavy. They sit center stage and allow you to permit the wine to glide across and remain on your tongue. As the waves of fruit pass over, the complimentary flavors emerge and change. Dark chocolate cocoa powder is fine and delicious, sweet tobacco leaf slightly edgy, a realm of baking spices like cinnamon leave a powdery sensation and the silky tannins, while noticeable, don’t come close to being astringent. This wine is so good it’s hard not to want more of it right now. The pairing was amazing with short ribs over mashed potatoes.
This vintage is still available if you shop around. It’s a bargain because unfortunately the 2020 vintage has been released at $170 per bottle. That is the only negative here worth mentioning. Dare I say this is the best Tignanello I’ve ever tasted? Yes, it is. Yes, I do dare. 99 points. Find this wine.
~ The 2019 Tignanello has repeatedly shown itself to be a benchmark wine for the vintage ~
As I say, shop around. I’ve seen half bottles for sale at the price I paid for the 750ml. People will gouge. There are many other data points on the website for Tignanello for vintages back to 2001. Simply type Tignanello into the Search Feature if you’re looking for older data points.
Salute!
