2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1984 1982
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 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) - 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."
Michael Apstein - WineReviewOnLine.com - December, 2006
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
"Loads of crushed blackberry and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with round, chewy yet silky tannins. Delicious. Best after 2006."
Wine Spectator - October, 2004
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
"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 - 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 - 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."
Wine Spectator - October, 2003
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 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."
Daniel Rogov - Ha'Aretz Daily - November, 2002
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 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 - 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."
The Wine News - October, 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."
Wine Enthusiast - August, 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."
Wine Spectator - November, 2001
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
"...a wonderfully dry and traditional Italian-tasting wine, almost Sangiovese-like, although it is made entirely of Cabernet grapes."
Jeff Siegel - Chef - January, 2002
"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."
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."
Wine Spectator - October, 2000
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1996
"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+."
Wine.Guide.On..Net - September, 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."
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
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1995
"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."
Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute) - July, 2000
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1994
"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."
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
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1993
"Concentrated fruit flavors up front. Strapping strong tannins on the finish. Deep extracted flavors with earthy richness."
Wine Spectator
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992
"Polished and refined"
Wine Spectator
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1984
89 Points
Wine Spectator
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1982
88
Wine Spectator
Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Not Specified
"a very tasty wine. . .and a palate of black berries, cassis and spice."
Tom Marquardt & Patrick Darr - The Capital - July, 2004