A fabulous Tuscan red, young and racy. Deep dark ruby in color, with focused aromas of blackberries, wood and very ripe fruit. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Best after 2003.
The 1997 Tignanello is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in small French oak casks for 12 months, and bottled with no filtration. It possesses a dense, ruby/purple color, and an expansive nose of black currants, cherry compote, vanillin, and earth. Sweet, jammy, and opulently-textured, this expansive, concentrated, low acid wine is flashy and gorgeously-proportioned. It should drink well for 10-15 years, although who can ignore it now?