1997 Tignanello
By Antinori
The 1997 Tignanello from Antinori, an Italian Masterpiece
As a connoisseur of wines, there are certain vintages that stand out in my memory -- escalated by their uniqueness and brilliance, and the 1997 Tignanello from Antinori is one such year. This dazzling Tuscan beauty captivates with its profound depth and startled contemporary wine enthusiasts with its audacious introduction of non-traditional grape varietals into the blend.
Revolutionary Blend, Quintessential Investment
We move our attention to the heart of Italy, where the House of Antinori, a prominent wine empire, embarked on a pioneering journey. Infusing the classical Sangiovese with foreign entities - Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Antinori crafted a blend that marked a new era of fine wines from Italy.
In their ability to harmonise both local and foreign elements, Antinori received international acclaim, making the 1997 Tignanello a prestige investment for discerning oenophiles.
Extraordinary climate, Exquisite Vintage
The spectacular performance of the '97 Tignanello can be attributed in part to the exceptional weather conditions in Italy during that period. High summer temperatures led to an early harvest allowing for optimal fruit maturity.
What sets this vintage apart is its tantalising balance between power and elegance. The opulent palate sings with lush blackberries and cherries buttressed by a backbone of well-structured tannins and elegant complexity endowed through ageing in oak barrels.
The 1997 Tignanello stands as one of Antinori's finest revelations - offering wine investors a piece of Italian history - an investment imbued with heritage, excellence, and an adventurous spirit that makes it an indispensable gem in any wine collection.
As we salute the mastery of Antinori's 1997 vintage, we celebrate both past achievements and the exciting promise of future vintages to continue to surprise and delight us. This is indeed what investing in the fine world of wine is all about. Unpredictable, unforgettable, and utterly intoxicating.
Current market price
£2,000.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
142.86
Scores and tasting notes
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.
Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate, 29 October 2015