Antinori - Tignanello 2020
Since 1385 the house of Antinori has been producing wine in the Chianti area of Italy. So, one could imagine being taken aback or having a bit of a surprise when in the early '70's the family decided to change the script of the region by including "untraditional" grape varieties into their wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were added into the blend with Sangiovese. Almost as unique as their incorporation of international varieties was the exclusion of traditional ones. In particular, their white varieties which were excluded after the mid '70's . They were the first to introduce barriques for aging. At the time, the Antinori's move was radical but they would be the first to usher in a profound new category of high quality Italian wine which we all now know, the Super Tuscan.
James Suckling: 97 Points
Violets and lavender with dark fruit and hints of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannin structure that gives this finesse and beauty. It’s very long and goes on for minutes. Precision. 68% sangiovese with the rest in cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Drinkable but better in three or four years.
Vinous Media: 96 Points
The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and mocha develop later. Time in the glass brings out striking dimensions. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can't wait to revisit the 2020 with age. (AG)
Antonio Galloni: 96 Points
The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and mocha develop later. Time in the glass brings out striking dimensions. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can't wait to revisit the 2020 with age.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
Newly on the market now, the 2020 Tignanello shows a gorgeous bouquet with an upfront and accessible personality. Right off the bat, you get dark cherry, dried raspberry, spice, toasted almond and citrusy blood orange. The blend is normally 75% to 80% Sangiovese with 7% Cabernet Franc. The grape in between, making up 13% to 18%, is Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage is very pretty and won’t require a long wait. The tannins are sweet and silky. 'Tignanello proves itself as a great vineyard site in both the challenging and the classic years,' says Managing Director Renzo Cotarella. Annual production falls between 300,000-350,000 bottles. Drink: 2025-2045.ML
