Antinori Toscana Tignanello 2013

This iconic super Tuscan was one of the early quality leaders in modern Italian wine. By paying close attention to farming practices and the ripeness levels of the grapes at harvest, owner Piero Antinori and winemaker Renzo Cotarella manage the tannins in the Sangiovese, which accounts for 80 to 85 percent of the blend, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The long growing season in 2013 developed the aromatics; in the cellar, Cotarella began using 500-liter tonneaux with this vintage instead of smaller oak barriques, emphasizing the fruit and promoting silkier tannins. Malolactic conversion occurred in barrels, a mix of new and one-year-old French and Hungarian oak, where the wine aged for 14 months.

Tasting Note

Aromas of graphite, smoke and tobacco introduce the cherry flavor in this expressive, focused red. Firm tannins and lively acidity balance the fruit and purity, while herbal, spice and mineral elements all gather steam as this plays out on the long finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2017 through 2027.—Bruce Sanderson