1997 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello

96 Points - Wine Spectator

“Exhibiting black currant, black cherry and cedar notes, this is reminiscent of the 1990, except younger and with greater density. Very fresh, this echoes the fruit, woodsy and spice elements on the long aftertaste. -- Non-blind Tignanello vertical (October 2019). Drink now through 2032. 27,000 cases made.”

94 Points - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

“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.”

91 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“The 1997 Tignanello is at a fascinating adolescent stage, it is neither primary nor fully resolved but somewhere in the middle. The wine's candied, super-ripe fruit is made more complex by subtle notes of smoke and sweet licorice. The aromas appear to be somewhat muted, a characteristic that is perhaps highlighted by the presence of slight barnyardy notes that suggest brett may have been an issue in this vintage. Readers who can tolerate the wine's imperfections will find much to enjoy over the next few years.”