Antinori Tignanello 2005, our second most requested wine after Antinori Tignanello 2004, the 2005 bottling was hotly awaited following the 4th place Wine Spectator "Wine of the Year" ranking for the Tignanello 2004. Everyone is wondering if the 2005 vintage, a difficult Tuscan growing vintage is going to scoop similar accolades, so buying it up in droves before the prices go insane. Here at The Cellar Door, as soon as the product is loaded it sells out within a matter of weeks and so I decided to get my grubby mits on a bottle to see what all the fuss is about. Although 2005 has produced some great Sangiovese wines the growers at Tignanello were showing some concern. The summer months in 2005 in Tuscany were quite cool and rainy, however, the grapes did their job and ripened and, for drinking today, I prefer this bottle.
I wasn't in love with the 2004 like the rest of the world was, its a great wine no doubt, but was tight as a rock when I sampled it and was definitely something to stick in the cellar for 10 years, a late bloomer. So what of the 2005 vintage?
The Tignanello is one of Italy's most famous wines from one of Italy's most famous producers, something of a commodity and a flag bearer. The 2005 is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon e 5% Cabernet Franc and although the percentages do change slightly year on year these ratios are pretty stock. This years Tignanello is weightier than normal and gave up fruit far quicker on the nose and palate so, in my opinion this years Tignanello will be a wine to drink much sooner than the 2004, this suits me personally, although I have many wines cellared I have little patience!
Today's blog entry was supposed to be for the end of Merlot Month. Well, you are lucky blighters because today I will enter two posts. We have the RESULTS of Merlot Month and the final wine up for review, Livon's "Tiare Mate".
Antinori Tignanello 2005 - BUY
Striking ruby red in the glass, lovely colour. The nose quickly brings serious aromas, generous amounts of berry, spices, chocolate and some tobacco. A real monster on the palate with a great balance of acidity, flavours of coffee, jam and chocolate on the mid palate with a nice smooth and pleasing finish. Very well structured and balanced, drinking nicely today but expect maturity within a few years. 93 Points
Where can I buy this wine?
Europeans - Grand Vini Alba - €40
Americans - Wine Anthology - $79
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The Tignanello posts garner comments thru the year I would love it if you left your own reviews of any Tignanello vintages, or have any other comments to make regarding Tignanello or Antinori :oD
