Tignanello 2012 is a refined Super Tuscan blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It shows dark cherry, blackcurrant, and blueberry layered with violets, spice, and Mediterranean herbs. Silky yet structured, with polished tannins and fresh acidity, this vintage balances richness and elegance, offering both early charm and long aging potential.

Jamessuckling.com |JS 96
Published: Aug 5, 2015

Aromas of blackcurrants and blueberries with hints of lavender and violets. Full body, chewy and polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A beautifully linear and polished red. Give it time to show it all but this is already a beauty. The depth and class to this are indeed impressive. Better in 2017.

Wine Enthusiast |WE 95
Published: Jan 8, 2015
Drink: 2017-2024

Here’s a structured red with lots of finesse. It opens with alluring aromas of fragrant blue flowers, red berries, baking spices and exotic herbs while the firm, vibrant palate delivers black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, orange zest, licorice and a sprinkling of white pepper. It’s still young but well balanced, with tightly woven but polished tannins and fresh acidity.

The Wine Advocate|RP 93
Published: Oct 30, 2015
Drink: 2016-2030

The 2012 Tignanello is a very handsome wine with dark fruit nuances that extend far beyond the normal spectrum for Sangiovese (and the smaller percentages of French grapes that complete this wine). This vintage, that started off with a very hot summer and ended with a cool harvest season, show a little more spice and Mediterranean herb on the finish. Grapes were harvested at the end of September and delivered slightly less alcohol than previous vintages. There is a point of freshness but the tannins are mature and yielding. In fact, the tannic management is spot-on and is complimented by the velvety and rich nature of the mouthfeel. Pretty mineral accents add a lasting touch of complexity. The 2012 Tignanello has the qualities for a successful evolution.

I had my doubts about the 2012 vintage until my visit to Antinori’s Tenuta Tignanello in Chianti Classico. The wines presented — and the 2012 Solaia in particular — demonstrate that great wines were made in this challenging growing season that started off very hot and ended very cool. Marchesi Antinori General Manager Renzo Cotarella with the Marchese Piero Antinori walked me through a grand tasting of the wines they make in Umbria and various parts of Tuscany. When I got to spend some intimate time with the latest bottle of the extended Solaia family, I was absolutely smitten. The 2011 vintage was also a hot year and the Solaia showed less dimension. With the 2012 vintage, we are happily reunited with the range of nuances and depth of complexity that makes this one of Italy’s A-list wines. The Antinori family owns various properties in the Chianti Classico area including Badia a Passignano, Tenuta Tignanello and Peppoli. They recently purchased a new property called San Sano not from from Castello di Ama in Gaiole-in-Chianti. The property has a potential for 84 hectares of vines and is located at 450 meters above sea level. The soils are very rocky with heavy deposits of Galestro and Alberese stone. The area is known for slow-ripening and very aromatic expressions of Sangiovese. I look forward to tasting more fruit from this site.

Antinori.it

The Wine
Tignanello was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, the first contemporary red wine blended with untraditional varieties (specifically Cabernet) and one of the first red wines in the Chianti Classico region that didnt use white grapes. Tignanello is a milestone. Its produced with a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The Design
The label was designed by Silvio Coppola in 1974 for the release of Tignanello 1971. The idea to commission this artist was discussed at an event at Castello della Sala in 1973. Silvio Coppola was an important Italian graphic and interior designer who was famous for his minimalist lighting fixtures and austere furniture but also for book cover designs for Italian publishing company Feltrinelli. Silvio Coppola was the perfect match for the job.

The Signature
Marchese Piero Antinori, the current Honorary President, decided to have his father, Niccol Antinori, sign the label as a sign of recognition for his fathers confidence in him.