Antinori Tignanello Halbe 2023

Tignanello is one of the forefathers of the "Super Tuscan? genre. It first hit the market in 1974?and, with its barrique-aged Sangiovese, committed a calculated sacrilege. Since 1982, the blend has remained consistent: Sangiovese paired with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is aged primarily in French barriques, with a smaller portion also aged in Hungarian oak. The 2023 vintage is highly complex and exceptionally juicy. It offers notes of pomegranate, ripe cherry, and orange, along with peppery, floral, and herbal tones. On the palate, there are also hints of cocoa, along with fine-grained, silky tannins. The fresh acidity dances around the beguiling fruit sweetness. "Perfect harmony and balance,? we think, as we linger on the finish for several minutes.