Antinori 2009 Tignarello - 93pts

Antinori 2009 Tignarello (Toscano IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores
Cost: $100
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc delivers elegance in a glass with red fruit, cedar, spice box and anise aromas and flavours. Shows great restraint in its intensity on the smooth-textured palate delivering finesse and depth without the in-your-face concentration of its over-extracted peers.

This gorgeous wine calls for meety stews or roasts - although the thought of a $100 "food-wine" may be laughable to some. Tasting rather youthful today needing another 1-2 years of bottle age in a loving cellar to reach its full potential. Drink 2015-2021+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Antinori 2010 Cervaro Della Sala - 91+pts

Antinori 2010 Cervaro Della Sala (Umbria IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Spec Listing
Cost: $60
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: A curious selection from a country that mostly produces short-lived and spicy white wines. This is an age-worthy wine with gorgeous almond, crispy bread, orchard fruit and mineral characters aged in 100% new French oak that challenges where we expect top-notch Chardonnay to originate from. A blend of French cloned Chardonnay (90%) and Umbria's native white grape Grechetto (10%). Has the pedigree to cellar for 15-20 years though is ready to be enjoyed today with proper decanting. Drink 2013-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Antinori 2008 Solaia - 92+pts

Antinori 2008 Solaia (Tuscany) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $250
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: This blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak, opens with a gorgeous, delicate nose of sweet cassis and blackberry fruit aromas and light earthy notes. The youthful, acidic palate follows with layers of berry, smoke and sun-drenched rocks flavours supported by a lovely weight and soft, fine tannins. Not overly intense, yet balanced and complex. The short finish leaves one wanting a bit more length for the price.

This is a fabled Super-Tuscan that really doesn't need any more press in order to sell (or not sell), but for the uninitiated and curious, for equal the fun and quality, my recommendation is to seek-out a bottle of Antinori Tignanello and leave the Solaia to the hard-core collectors who aren't concerned about the concept of "value". Drink 2014-2010.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca