Antinori Tignanello 2005

Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "Our astonishment last year at Tignanello, which won another Three Glass prize after an 11-year gap, is repeated this year. Last time, it was the wine's return to top honours after ten lean years outshining serial Three Glass winner Solaia, but this time it was Tignanello's extraordinary stylistic perfection, something that couldn't be taken for granted in the 2005 growing year. From sangiovese with 15 per cent cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, the initially hesitant, reduced nose unfolds into a complex weave of red fruits, freshness, saddle leather an damp earth. The very taut palate is dominated by acidity and incredibly long. All in all, it's a wonderfully exciting wine that stands comparison with some past vintages. (2009)"

94 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "On the nose a subtle smokiness makes way for fragrant floral, pepper, tea and fennel notes. The palate is still fresh, with admirable vibrancy and energy, while the tannins build becoming firm and grainy on the finish. Simply put, this has a tonne of character and is drinking brilliantly right now. Despite being a difficult year for Sangiovese, there is a slightly higher percentage in this vintage, where it makes up 85% of the blend as opposed to 80%. Drinking Window: 2018-2028. (Feb 2018)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2005 Tignanello is just beginning to enter the early part of its drinking window, although it clearly has enough stuffing to drink well for another 20 years, if not longer. Smoke, graphite, plums, earthiness, black cherries and spices take shape in the glass, but it is the wine pure power and intensity - both remarkable for a vintage that was considered light at the outset - that truly stand out. The style is dark, brooding and muscular, with notable density and tons of personality. The wildness of Sangiovese comes through loud and clear. Although not the most polished Tignanello, the 2005 is certainly not lacking in personality. Drink: 2015-2025. (Dec 2015)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "Pretty and fresh aromas of flowers, berry and licorice. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a solid core of fruit. Very pretty and balanced. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2011. (10/15/08)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Antinori has turned out a very beautiful Tignanello in 2005. The wine possesses perfumed, well-articulated aromatics that meld into a soft, generous core of ripe red fruits. Smoke, mineral, tobacco and spice overtones develop in the glass with air. To be sure, this is a relatively slender Tignanello, and while it doesn’t have the qualities of the superb 2004, it does have the balance to age gracefully for the next decade or so. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. (Jun 2008)"

92 points Falstaff Guide