CRITIC REVIEWS
Monica Larner
To hit the market in June, the 2016 Tignanello is a rock-solid wine and a stunning beauty. The wine offers an impeccable level of precision and laser-focus delivery of fruits, spices, tilled earth, espresso beans and Mediterranean herbs. This vintage follows the classic blending formula of 80% Sangiovese with about 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. The vines are now 15 to 20 years old. Compared to the 2015 vintage that ultimately appeared more chewy and succulent, this expression from the iconic 2016 vintage is more vibrant, nervous and jazzed. It shows more savory spice, saltiness and minerality, with a beautifully integrated quality of tannins. Some 320,000 bottles were produced. This wine is at the top of the list of some of the best Tignanello ever made, including the vintages 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Richard Hemming MW
Those Bordeaux varieties play a significant role on the nose, lending strong blackcurrant fruit on the palate, combining beautifully with the black cherry and violet of the Sangiovese. Theres plenty of acidity on the palate, succulent oak and youthful black fruit with superb persistence. Just a hint of leather and liquorice on the finish (which increases as the wine develops in the glass), and perhaps a medicinal sort of character too. Very finely tannic. Perfectly chiselled, with impeccable fruit to enjoy now, but a great deal of complexity waiting for the future. (RH)