From a really fine, structured Napa vintage, this shows dark fruits and mineral notes aromatically, still has loads of Dunn Howell Mountain structure and tannin, long, lingering finish, but the finish suggests that it needs 10-20 more years of aging, simply an incredible, old school (13% ABV) Napa mountain Cabernet with amazing length and freshness, a true WOW wine (if you’re moderately unoffended by the enormous structure still remaining)!!! — a year ago
Delicious from nakedwines.com would definitely buy again. — 5 years ago
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2008: Bold. Rich. Stunning. Velvety black fruits. Mocha. Eucalyptus. Leather. Consisting of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot & 4% Merlot, this was the perfect 1.5L of pure liquid greatness. What better way to celebrate two milestone events but with this extremely special bottle. Simply the finest Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend ever! Happy Birthday mom & Happy belated 50th Anniversary! Cheers🍷 — 5 years ago

Smooth and not sweet! Love it! And I appreciate that it announces it is unoaked. I wish more brands would announce that for those of us that don’t like the oak, buttery flavor — 8 years ago
This had some funk to it.. very anti-Aussie in its approach. Shiraz/Mataro blend with a zippy, fresh quality to it. Slightly chilled, this’d be good. — 8 years ago
Naked. Decent drinking red — 5 years ago
It was simply fantastic! — 7 years ago
Big, rich and bold. Lightly sweet up front and tart + spice on the back. A bit on the tart side of the spectrum for me. Tart fruits really pop! — 8 years ago
10/21 disgorgement is simply perfect, rocking tonight and unmistakable with its infinite layers of red berry fruit, blood orange and chalky minerals that wrap around the palate, with incredible texture, density and intensity before its forever finale. The best. — 3 years ago
Simply WOW!! I have now experienced the pleasure of tasting my initial First Growth Bordeaux. Simply unbelievable! 90% Cabernet Sauvignon. Highly aromatic! A lovely nose of violets, pencil shavings, cigar box, and red and black berry fruit. The pallet is red fruit forward with accents of cooked blackberry, and Belgian chocolate. It also features beautifully soft tannins and perfectly integrated acidity. This is an experience that I will never forget. Thank You so much, Petey! Merry Christmas, 2021! — 5 years ago

2017. Decanted 4+ hours. Pains me to not give one of my favorite labels a 95+, but this hot vintage is simply missing the red fruit to go with all the rustic leather and barnyard funk that makes Pegau so unique. Rich but not sure fruit is going to come around. Discounted- $50 at Wine Library, elsewhere. — 6 years ago
The 1990 Cristal is remarkable. Polished, nuanced and light on its feet, the 1990 is all class. Citrus, orchard fruit and floral notes are wonderfully lifted throughout. A slight reductive note adds character on the finely knit finish. I can’t think of a better way to start this tasting. Simply put, the 1990 is a total rock star. Moreover, it is much more delicate than most wines from this ripe vintage. Amazingly, the 1990 tastes like it is still not ready! “Nineteen ninety was my second vintage here,” says Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. “It was ideal. The fruit was just perfect. We blocked the malolactic fermentation completely and only fermented 6-7% of our lots in oak, as opposed to the more typical 20%, in order to preserve as much freshness as possible. The wine was made by my predecessor, Michel Pansu, but I was learning. This was the first year I started working with oxygen by reducing sulfites in vinification to pre-oxidize the Chardonnay musts, as I do know, which allows me to get rid of all the unstable, oxidative compounds. With Pinot, on the other hand, you need a little bit of sulfur at crush or you lose the brilliant fruit. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2018) — 8 years ago
Antinori – Tignanello 2014
Toscana IGT – Italy 🇮🇹
Blend: Predominantly Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
Overview
A benchmark Super Tuscan, Tignanello has been at the forefront of Italy’s modern wine movement since the 1970s. The 2014 vintage, from a cooler and more challenging year, shows the estate’s skill in crafting balance, depth, and elegance even when conditions were less than ideal. (Educational note: Tignanello was one of the first wines to break Chianti Classico tradition by blending Sangiovese with international varieties and aging in small French oak barrels.)
Aromas & Flavors
Blackberries, cherries, and currants form the core, wrapped in notes of violet, spice, and tobacco. Subtle cedar and cocoa tones from oak integration add depth without overpowering the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, silky in texture with medium-plus tannins that frame the fruit beautifully. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the finish lingers with spice and dark fruit.
Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, lamb chops, or wild boar ragu. Also pairs with aged pecorino or truffle-infused pasta.
Verdict
A Super Tuscan you simply cannot miss. The 2014 Tignanello is elegant, balanced, and layered — proof that even in a cooler vintage, Antinori delivers sophistication and finesse. 🍷
Did You Know?
Tignanello was first released in 1971 and is often credited with sparking the “Super Tuscan” revolution, redefining Italian fine wine. — 9 years ago
Hamilton Schwartz
Passover 26 — 3 months ago