Antinori - Tignanello 2013

JAMES SUCKLING: " This is amazing on the nose with blackberries, black truffle, dried cherries, and hints of tobacco. It´s so complex on the nose that you almost don´t need to taste it. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a persistent, fabulous finish. The mouthfeel is magic. 80% sangiovese and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2013 Tignanello represents the beginning of a new chapter for Italy´s ultimate game-changer wine. The blend remains 80% Sangiovese with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc but Renzo Cotarella tells me "stylistically-speaking, this is what we wanted to achieve." The winemaking formula remains the same, but one of the major differences and benefits to this wine is vineyard age. The celebrated Tignanello single vineyard is now reaching 15 years old. In other words, it is in its production prime. This is a harmonious and beautifully integrated wine that reveals black fruit and baking spice. I´m told the 2014 Tignanello will have a greater percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2015 vintage will have more Sangiovese."

DECANTER: "Winemaker Renzo Cotarella declared the 2013 to be one of the most vibrant Tignanellos Antinori has ever made. It recalls 2010 but is a slightly less powerful package. The Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly evident at the moment, with well-defined nuances of blackberry bush. Notes of fresh dark earth, red cherry and minerality lurk underneath. The tannins are long and refined but not quite ready to relax their grip. Currently austere rather than generous, this needs time to knit together." Drinking Window 2021 - 2036:

WINE SPECTATOR: " Defined by licorice and black currant aromas and flavors, this is intense and harmonious. A crisp, vibrant feel pervades as this winds down, showing excellent length and a minerally element. -- Non-blind Tignanello vertical (October 2019). Best from 2023 through 2043. 2,500 cases imported."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Vibrant and loaded with finesse, this blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc opens with enticing scents of red woodland berry, new leather, Asian spice and a touch of menthol. The youthful palate delivers red currant, wild cherry, star anise and clove alongside a backbone of firm acidity and polished, tightly wound tannins. It will age majestically; drink 2020–2033."

FALSTAFF: "Leuchtendes Rubin mit leichtem Granatrand. Klare und einprägsame Nase mit Noten nach Blutorange, Granatapfel, viel Kirsche, einladend. Rund und stoffig am Gaumen, zeigt viel reife Zwetschken und Himbeerefrucht, öffnet sich mit kernigem, dichtem Tannin, im Finale etwas gebackene Noten."