Tavernelle

 2003 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1984 | 1982 
 

 “ a very tasty wine. . .and a palate of black berries, cassis and spice. ”
- Tom Marquardt & Patrick Darr - The Capital - 5 July 2004

Tavernelle 2003

"This Cabernet Sauvignon had a nose of jammy black fruits, spice and smoke. Rich and round in the mouth, it was intense..."
- Frank Sutherland & Kate Sutherland - Ocean County Observer (NJ) - 31 March 2007

"...Banfi, although best known for their stylish Brunello, makes excellent Cabernet as well. Their 2003 shows the depth and power that vintage was capable of delivering. The moderate tannins suggest either a few years in the cellar or a few hours in a decanter would be appropriate. It has lovely balance and is not marred by the over-extracted bitterness common in some reds from 2003."
  90
- Michael Apstein - WineReviewOnLine.com - 5 December 2006

Tavernelle 2001

 “Loads of crushed blackberry and raspberry on the nose.  Full-bodied, with round, chewy yet silky tannins.  Delicious.  Best after 2006.”   90
- Wine Spectator - 15 October 2004

Tavernelle 2000

"Full bodied, concentrated and voluptuous with ripe red fruit and beef on the nose and flavors of blackberry, black currant, herbs and vanilla; long finish with distinct tannins.  Venison steak.  Serve now, but will hold for some time."
- Santé - March/April 2004

"This is a Cabernet Sauvignon; it’s deep cherry ruby with black  highlights and dusky cherry rim. The bouquet is fresh, with violets and cut flowers that mingle with plums and hints of vanilla, and underlying red berry fruit. None of the vegetal notes that appear in the higher tier Cabernets. On the palate it’s medium bodied and quite round, with moderately intense cherry fruit supported by some tannins that are fairly smooth, though they do have a slight burr to them. It’s quite direct, and what you see is what you get; it will drink well with meat-based pasta sauces and fattier grilled meats—there is that touch of acidity to allow the pairing—and will also drink nicely with light stews. It will be perfect in the proper occasion, and will go very fast."

 
  *
- Kyle Phillips - Italian Wine Review - 16 January 2004

"This Cabernet Sauvignon had a complex aroma of black fruit, black currants and tobacco. In the mouth, it had a creamy texture, drinkable now with beef."
- The Tennessean - 22 December 2003

"A pleasant red, with plum, jam and floral character. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a clean finish. A bit simple. Best after 2005." 87
- Wine Spectator - 15 October 2003

Tavernelle 1999

"Cabernet Sauvignon pure and true, with lush blackcurrant, wild berry and Mediterranean herbs, with smooth tannins that are already integrating well with the wood and the fruits, this medium- to full-bodied wine has a long, clean and complex finish. Drink 2003-2010."   92
- Daniel Rogov - Ha'Aretz Daily - November 2002

"Rich aromas of currants, blackberries and cherries, with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied and extremely polished. Gorgeous mouthfeel and a long, fruity and toasty finish. Fantastic. One of the best Tavernelles."   92
- James Suckling - Wine Spectator - October 2002

Tavernelle 1998

"Very Highly Recommended - More Tuscan than Cabernet in character, with a fascinating note of rosemary and thyme alongside ripe plum, black currant and bay leaf. Needs at least two hours in a decanter to open, or a few moreyears in the bottle. Try with beef and tomato sauces. "
- DAN BERGER'S VINTAGE EXPERIENCE 16 January 2003

"Bright ruby hue. Fat, forward aromas of plum, raspberry and stewed cherry with gentler scents of smoke, black pepper, cedar and soy. Well-balanced, defined flavors of black fruit, rich earth, black pepper, oak and cigar box. Racy acidity powers the raspberry-laced finish."   93
- The Wine News - October/November 2002

"Just looking at the intensity of the colour of the Castello Banfi Tavernelle gives you an idea of what to expect in the way of intensity of flavour - be ready. Powerful blackcurrant and blackberry fruit on the nose and palate..."   ***+
- Malcolm Anderson - The Gazette (Quebec) - August 2002

"...shows plenty of youthful character. It has deep earth, tobacco and tar notes on a black-fruit nose, expansive cassis and blackberry flavors, and a tight, structured mouthfeel that should relax if given the three or so years it deserves. Very New World style."   89
- Wine Enthusiast - August 2002

"A brooding, classic black fruit nose of cherry, raspberry, and plum plus dark chocolate and sweet oak introduce fairly bright and juicy flavors of the same fruit plus unsweetened chocolate and significant fine tannins. The finish is long and medium-broad and the wine evidence good balance, structure, integration, and depth. Quite Nice."
- The Colorado Wine News- July-September 2002

"With the prices of California Cabs going through the roof, this 'Super Tuscan' is a deal. A different style than California with tobacco, licorice and coffee overtones on the dark berry base. Well-balanced, in my cellar."
- Bill Van Ollefen - Greenwich Time- June 2002

"Made entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, this Italian beauty has broad flavors of raspberries, cassis, mint, tobacco and coffee - traditional characteristics of many Bordeaux wines. However, the tannins are more soft and mature, making it a good wine to drink now or in the next 5 to 8 years."
- Tom Marquardt & Patrick Darr - Capital - May 2002

"A good Cab, with aromas of berries and fresh herbs, like tarragon and basil. Medium-bodied, with fine, silky tannins and a fruity, firm, tannic finish. Best after 2003."   86
- Wine Spectator - November 2001

Tavernelle 1997

  92
- Wine Spactator Buying Guide - May 2002

"...a wonderfully dry and traditional Italian-tasting wine, almost Sangiovese-like, although it is made entirely of Cabernet grapes."
- Jeff Siegel - Chef - January 2002

"Deep, saturated ruby hue. Brooding cassis and chocolate nose. A firm entry leads to a chunky, moderately full-bodied palate with very firm Cabernet tannins and a varietal lead pencil accent. Structured, drying tannins. Will be lovely with mid-term cellaring."   90
- Beverage Testing Institute - October 2001

"Full-bodied, loaded with smooth tannins and remarkably concentrated, this delicious wine was aged in French oak casks for 18 months. With currants, berries, Mediterranean herbs and just enough spices in its aromas and flavors, the wine can be drunk now but will continue to store nicely for five or more years."   92+
- Ha'Aretz (Israel) - May 2001

"This outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany has interesting aromas of ripe fruit and meat, with hints of dried herbs. It's full-bodied and very concentrated, with plenty of velvety tannins and a long finish. Give it some time in the bottle. Best after 2001."   92
- Wine Spectator - October 2000

Tavernelle 1996

"Deep crunchy currant and blackberry fruit character. The flavors linger. General Qualities: Medium-full-bodied, complex, dry, balanced acidity, integrated oak, modest tannins. Color: Dark ruby. Aromas: Black currant, currant. Flavors: Black currant, black olive, currant, dried fruit, olive. Other Descriptors: Elegant, has finesse, long finish, ripe, round."   ****+
- WineToday.com - October 2000

"Deep red in colour. A good Cabernet nose full of briary forest fruits, mocha and a dash of quality wood, some earthy dirtiness adds character. Medium weight on the palate, the rustic flavours encompass black cherry, cooked raspberry and charred earth, a subtle nuance of dark spice. The finish provides a good duration of persistence, with coarse, grippy tannins. Drink 2001-2007+."   87
- Wine.Guide.On..Net - September 2000

  87 - Highly Recommended
- Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute) - August 2000

"...dishes up some fruity and then a nice tobacco taste and vanilla. It's medium bodied, a little chewy, and very satisfying."   ****
- AlcoholReviews.com - August 2000

"This is a single-vineyard 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that's dark as night and still closed up. It wants to be big, but the fruit is presently in the rear, and you have to search for it. Once you find it, it's fairly clean cassis and blackberry, with pronounced oak backing it up. Nicely herbal and cool, the finish turns fairly tannic. Get after it next year."   87
- Wine Enthusiast - July 2000

"...the 1996 Tavernelle bears soft tannins and opulent fruit that makes it ideal for immediate enjoyment as opposed to lengthy cellar aging."
- Beverage Media - May 2000

  Silver Medal
Vinalies Internationales, Paris (February 2000)

"...a thick, rich wine, with chocolate and nutty flavors and young, dark fruit. It would go well with beef and hearty red pasta sauces with meat."
- Frank Sutherland - Jackson (TN) Sun - February 2000

"Really interesting aromas of black cherry, black licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, with full, chewy tannins and a long tobacco and cherry aftertaste."   90
- Wine Spectator

Tavernelle 1995

  91
- Wine Spectator Buying Guide - May 2002

"A subtle yet rich red, with a racy backbone of acidity...Cabernet lovers, dig in."   91
- Wine Spectator

"Mature blackberry and plum aromas, with stewed fruit/raisin qualities and floral and cola notes. Well balanced, excellent structure and focus, with excellent body, soft and hard tannins and a good concentration of dark fruit; long, pleasing finish."
- Santé - June 2000

"Deep, saturated ruby-garnet hue. Generous game, spice, and dried fruit aromas. A rich entry leads to a supple, moderately full-bodied palate. Shows fine intensity of flavor with grippy tannins through the finish. Drink now or later."   88
- Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute) - July 2000

Tavernelle 1994

"An admirably concentrated and well-balanced red wine"   90
- Wine Spectator

"Deep blackish-garnet cast. Moderately full-bodied. Balanced acidity. Moderately extracted. Mildly oaked. Mildly tannic. Minerals, cassis. Rather reserved aromatically, though featuring a solid core of fruit-centered flavors on the palate. Lean and firmly structured through the finish."   89
- Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute) - July 2000

"There was little question that there would be cabernet sauvignon planted in Tuscany. If great wines were to be made from these grapes, Banfi would make it. Tavernelle is that wine."
- South Florida Newspaper Group

"Full bodied and with lots of fruits, vanilla, spices and anise."   88
- Ha'Aretz (Israel) and The International Herald Tribune (Daniel Rogov)

Tavernelle 1993

"Very fine indeed"   91 Points
- Wine Spectator

"Concentrated fruit flavors up front. Strapping strong tannins on the finish. Deep extracted flavors with earthy richness."   91 - Cellar Selection
- Wine Enthusiast

Tavernelle 1992

"Polished and refined"   88
- Wine Spectator

Tavernelle 1984

  89 Points
- Wine Spectator

Tavernelle 1982

  88
- Wine Spectator

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