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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Antinori Tignanellotext
91POINTS
16¾/20

Antinori Tignanello 2003

Tuscany, ItalyThe original Super-Tuscan, Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, a 47 hectares (116 acres) southwest-facing vineyard that sits over calcareous rocky-marl and limestone with some tufaceous elements (a soft porous rock consisting of calcium carbonate deposited from springs rich in lime). The vineyard slope sits between 1,150 and 1,312 feet above sea level. Antinori has done a fine job in what was a bit cooler year and a wine that has held up very well given the super warm vintage and its age. Altitude matters and this 85/10/5 sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc is still alive. The nose is now mature with smoky, meaty, peppery notes dominating. The attack is a mix of balsamic cherry fruit flecked with mature tobacco, black cherry, menthol, cassis and a touch of leather. Fully ready to drink. Best now with subtle meat dishes or pastas. Tasted in a 2016 at a Tignanello vertical. Tignanello was the first sangiovese to be aged in small oak barrels, the first red wine in modern times to use a non-traditional grape variety, Cabernet, in the blend, and was among the first red wines made in Chianti with no white grapes. Originally Tignanello was a Chianti Classico Riserva labeled Vigneto Tignanello. It was first made as a single vineyard wine in the 1970 vintage, when it contained 20% Canaiolo and 5% Trebbiano and Malvasia. In 1971 vintage the wine became a Vino da Tavola della Toscana and was named Tignanello after the vineyard from which it originates. That’s when Tignanello stopped adhering to the rules laid down by Chianti Classico Disciplinare, and with the 1975 vintage, white grapes were totally eliminated. Since the 1982 vintage, the blend has been 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Tignanello was not produced in the 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1984 and 1992 vintages.Tasted: 07 March 2016Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$86.99750mlBCLS
AB$95.00750mlfine wine shops
ON$103.00750mlVintages Essentials
QC$62.00750ml 
NB$95.00750ml 
NF$110.00750ml 
Producer: Marchesi AntinoriDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits
Halpern
Maison Maxxium Vins et Spiritueux
Blend: Sangiovese - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 705442UPC: 8001935124504