Antinori's Tignanello 2020 is a red Toscana IGT wine created by combining Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc based on Sangiovese; the 2020 harvest was smaller than in previous years. Due to frost and chilly weather affecting April and May, the harvest of Chianti Classico decreased by about 10% compared to 2019. The surviving grapes ripened slowly under the mild temperatures of June and July, and after rain in June and September revitalized the vines, an early harvest took place, up to two weeks earlier than usual.
Although the yield was low, the concentration was higher. This sums up this vintage in a nutshell, and these characteristics are clearly evident in the wine, which features the flavors of ripe fruit and a robust structure that would be difficult to predict based solely on the heat of that year.
The three grape varieties were fermented separately in conical fermentation tanks, and malolactic fermentation (the secondary fermentation that softens the wine's flavor) took place in barriques. This was followed by approximately 15 months of aging, with the wine aged in mostly new French oak barrels, and a small portion in Hungarian oak barrels, both before and after blending.
While enjoyable even in its youth, the tannins will reward those who are patient. It is best enjoyed between 2025 and 2050.
Robert Parker (95)
The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Tignanello was born in a classic growing season that saw some cooling summer rains and relatively stress-free conditions. This is an elegant and extremely polished wine made with mostly Sangiovese and smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Here too, the small blending element of Cabernet Franc has been slowly increasing in recent years. The 2019 vintage was born with a good amount of power and tannic structure, and maceration times were slightly reduced as a result. This less extractive approach shapes a polished and elegant wine with plenty of bright berry fruit, cherry, dried mint, blue flower, blood orange and rusty earth. The palate is more compact and streamlined. It shows beautiful grace. After this, the next vintage to watch is the highly anticipated 2021.
James Suckling (96)
Violets and lavender with dark fruit and hints of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannin structure that gives this finesse and beauty. It’s very long and goes on for minutes. Precision. 68% sangiovese with the rest in cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon.
Vinous (96)
The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and mocha later. Time in the glass brings out striking dimension. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can't wait to revisit the 2020 with age.
BOW (9-)
