Antinori Tignanello 1997

Decanter 93 / WA 94 pts

D: At first, the 1997 Tignanello has elements of an aged Left Bank Bordeaux, with dark fruit and leafy cedar notes. As it sits in the glass sweeter herbs, dried red berries and leather emerge. There is still plenty to chew on, although the tannins have softened and shed their firmness. While this is completely approachable and ready now, it possesses enough concentration and structure to hold up for another five years or so. Drinking Window 2018-2024. (MM)

WA: 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. (ML) Inner quote mark (10/2015)