Tignanello 2003

Antinori has done a fine job in what was a bit cooler year and a wine that has held up very well given the super warm vintage and its age. Altitude matters and this 85/10/5 sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc is still alive. The nose is now mature with smoky, meaty, peppery notes dominating. The attack is a mix of balsamic cherry fruit flecked with mature tobacco, black cherry, menthol, cassis and a touch of leather. Fully ready to drink. Best now with subtle meat dishes or pastas. Score – 91. (Anthony Gismondi, gismondionwine.com, March 7, 2016)