Winemaker Notes
Intensely fruity and complex on the nose, full-bodied, rich and complex in the mouth with exceptional structure and a lengthy finish.
Blend: 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
During the recorking ceremony for the 1971 Tignanello, I had the opportunity to taste four editions of the wine spanning the four decades of its production. The 1997 Tignanello was by far the most enjoyable of these wines. It is experiencing a perfect moment in its drinking window. Looking through The Wine Advocate archive, I see the suggestion of brett in a past review. I found absolutely no imperfections in this wine. Instead, the bouquet is generous and opulent with dark berry, spice, licorice and leather. Much of the Tignanello vineyards were replanted in the 1990s so I expect that the fruit came from younger vines. The finish is silky and long in persistency.
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Wine Enthusiast
Reticent at first, the elements show their complexity and depth with time. Full and very dark, this offers plenty of black cherry and cedar aromas and flavors offset by impressive licorice and Mouton-like pencil-lead notes. Smooth on the palate, showing great balance and integration, the ripe fruit here sings through the long finish with its soft tannins, good grip and tobacco-nut-mineral-dust accents.
Cellar Selection
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.