FEATURES
The 2009 vintage in Tuscany experienced a cold, rainy winter followed by a mild spring, and then a very hot and dry summer, particularly in August. Despite the heat, cooler nights in August helped preserve the grapes' freshness. Favorable conditions in September and early October, with ample sunlight and significant day-night temperature variations, were crucial for achieving balance and rich aromatic compounds. The harvested grapes were of very high quality, leading to expectations of an excellent vintage. While initially hailed as great, some wines from this warm year developed rich, sometimes jammy characteristics with high alcohol. However, the 2009s are generally described as radiant, showcasing ripe fruit typical of warmer years, and it is considered a consistent vintage across the board. The best examples, often from cooler sites, exhibit excellent structure and intense fruit. Sangiovese, in particular, was very good, offering bright red aromatic fruit and zippy acidity. The 2009 Tignanello is a very intense ruby red with purple highlights. The nose is complex, redolent of licorice, violets, cherries under spirits, vanilla, chocolate, sweet toasty oak, cedar, graphite, sweet herbs, and leather. It also reveals dried fruits and flowers, especially roses, with hints of light toffee, coffee, ginseng, and prunes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with flavors of black cherry, plum, spice, tobacco, and black tea, along with redcurrant jam and stewed red plum. It offers a juicy, mouth-filling mid-palate with silky, supple tannins, balanced by refreshing acidity, leading to a persistent, savory, and long, fruit-driven finish. The wine is approachable and drinking well now, with an anticipated maturity extending to 2029. 【 Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques and a pioneer Super Tuscan 】.
This Tignanello pairs exceptionally well with grilled red meats, rich pasta dishes, and aged cheeses. It can also surprisingly complement dishes like homemade spicy vegetarian nachos or a classic côte de bœuf.
As a benchmark Super Tuscan, the 2009 Tignanello is ideal for a significant dinner, a wine tasting event focused on iconic Italian wines, or a special celebration. Its current drinkability combined with its aging potential makes it suitable for enjoying now or cellaring for a few more years.