Antinori - Tignanello 2021 (375ml)
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.
Antonio Galloni: 98 Points
The 2021 Tignanello is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel and then just after bottling. Silky and polished, with exceptional finesse, the 2021 has all the pedigree to become a modern benchmark for Tignanello and Italian wine more broadly. Bright dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco all soar out of the glass, framed by a discreet touch of French oak that adds raciness. In some vintages, the elements are discernible. In 2021, it is the total harmony of the wine that makes the strongest and deepest impression. The 2021 spent 17 months in wood, three months in neutral oak during the malolactic fermentation and then 14 months (50% new) for the rest of its aging. Superb.
Wine Advocate: 98 Points
First made in 1971, this legendary Italian wine now celebrates its 50th birthday. Happy Birthday, Tignanello! The Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello (made with 79% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc) pulls on all the heartstrings. To be released in May, the wine shows a quintessentially pretty taste profile with tart fruit flavors, redcurrant, tea leaf, heritage rose, crushed white pepper, licorice, nutmeg, clove and chopped mint. It opens slowly to reveal more richness and exuberance with time, becoming downright voluptuous and heady a short while later. The through line, however, remains the bright freshness and minerality of Sangiovese. Compared to the 2018 vintage (which I also loved), this vintage has more overall fruit weight and volume. (ML)
Wine Spectator: 97 Points
Laced with pure cherry, strawberry, graphite and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is beautifully supported by a backbone of vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins. Everything is framed by vanilla and toasty oak in the best sense, revealing harmony, with a long, orange-tinged finish and, yes, even drinkability at this stage. Best to give this a few more years in the bottle. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. (BS)
#3 Wine of the Year, 2024
James Suckling: 96 Points
The currants and spices are very pretty, with some hazelnut undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Very structured for a Tignanello, with medium chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Very polished and curated with a deft winemaking hand coming through. Needs three or four years to soften, but it’s all there.
Vinous Media
#8 Wine of the Year, 2024
