Marchese Antinori 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva, Tignanello Estate

This Chianti is a signature wine for Antinori and is consistently one of the most outstanding wines from the Chianti Classico region. Since 2011, it has been produced exclusively from a selection of the grapes of the Tignanello estate.


Upon arriving in the cellars, the grapes are destemmed and the berries carefully selected on sorting tables. The grapes are handled with the express purpose of preserving all their aromas and components; highly important both for the Sangiovese and for the Cabernet as well. Once in the stainless steel fermenting tanks, the fermentation itself lasts approximately a week and is followed by a nine or ten day period of skin contact. After being run off its skins, the wine goes immediately into small oak barrels, principally of French oak. Still separated on the basis of its vineyard source, the wine is aged for approximately a year in French and Hungarian oak barrels. At the end of the aging period the wine is bottled and given an additional twelve month aging in bottle in preparation for release. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.


Wine Spectator scored this 90 points saying "A hefty dose of spicy oak wraps around the black cherry, plum and leather flavors. Muscular and broad, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, tar and spice. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2021 through 2028."


Wine & Spirits Magazine scored this 91 points saying "This is a plush and velvety Chianti Classico, with ample notes of toasted vanilla and baking spices that cushion the red cherry and plum tones. The wine shows good freshness and acidity, suggesting a few years in the cellar will allow the fruit and oak to further integrate."


Wine Enthusiast made this a Cellar Selection and scored it 92 points saying "Alluring aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and oak-driven spice shape the nose. The aromas follow through to the elegant, savory palate along with vanilla, star anise and a hint of coconut while bright acidity and supple tannins provide support and finesse. Drink 2021–2028."


James Suckling scored this 93 points saying "A layered and very rich Chianti Classico with blackberries, chocolate and hints of coffee. Full body, round tannins and a flavorful finish."