2010 Antinori Solaia (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Among a handful of wines with a reputation so epic they are known by a single name, Solaia is the legendary Cabernet Sauvignon blend crafted by Marchesi Antinori that along with its sister wine Tignanello helped create a whole new category of wines known as Super Tuscans, garnering unanimous critical acclaim for over four decades and the first Italian wine to earn the #1 spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 back in 1997. Conveyed in perfect provenance with pristine cellar aging, these Solaia selections come from the top vintages of the last 15 years, some ready to enjoy now and all promising a thrilling evolution over the next several decades.

First created as an experiment in 1978 when the vineyards for Tignanello produced an excess of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, Solaia is a uniquely Tuscan blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and a small amount of Cabernet Franc, grown at the Antinori family’s Tenuta Tignanello estate in the rolling hills of Chianti Classico. Named for its southwestern exposure ideally angled to capture the sun’s rays (Solaia translates as “a place where the energy of the sun radiates”), the vineyard for Solaia spans 20 hectares on a hillside located between 350 and 400 meters above sea level, the vines planted in a stony mix of albarese and galestro producing richly concentrated grapes. Fermenting each varietal separately in stainless steel and aging it in 100% new French oak, winemaker Renzo Cotarella believes Solaia starts to express its true personality at 10 years of age, many of these selections now at the beginning of their long window of enjoyment. Described as a “voluptuous, racy turn-on” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous “with a long drinking window of pure pleasure,” the 97 pt. 2007 Solaia offers “vibrant fruit and bright acidity” according to James Suckling, while the “mesmerizing” 98 pt. 2010 Solaia is a “towering masterpiece” according to critic Galloni, calling it “one of the all-time legendary Solaias.” Ranking it his #1 Italian Wine of the Year, James Suckling believes the dazzling 100 pt. 2015 Solaia might be “the greatest ever,” promising three decades of longevity “with the best yet to come” according to the Wine Spectator’s Brune Sanderson. Also scoring a perfect 100 pt. dual rating and both vintages available in cellar worthy magnums as well as 750 ml., the Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe describes the massive 100 pt. 2016 Solaia as “smooth and balanced, with bright acidity and polished tannins” while Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux calls the rich 97 pt. 2017 Solaia “silky” noting its “dark fruit feel and savory rippling tannins.” Speaking to the “stunning beauty and pedigree” of Antinori’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Antonio Galloni describes the “mesmerizing “ 98 pt. 2018 Solaia as a blend of “striking purity and exceptional beauty” while the 98 pt. 2019 Solaia offers “terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length” according to the Wine Spectator’s Bruce Sanderson that the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner calls “a beautiful wine that collectors will love.”

All from truly legendary vintages and credited with “redefining Italian wine” by the Wine Spectator, these Solaia selections present a rare opportunity to acquire exceptional back vintages of this highly allocated Super Tuscan, guaranteed to become the focal point of any collection with years of evolution ahead if only you can keep from opening them, which in that case, any regrets you might have will melt away with the first sip.

97V

97WA

The 2010 Solaia is even better than the Tignanello. Here, too, it is the wine's energy and sheer vibrancy that stand out most. Blackberry jam, graphite, tar, espresso, violets, crushed rocks and spices all take shape in the glass. The 2010 is a wine I have followed since its infancy, and it has never failed to deliver the goods. Earlier this year I had a chance to taste every vintage of Solaia back to the inaugural 1978. It is still early, but there is little question the 2010 is one of the greatest - if not the single greatest - Solaia ever made.

97+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2013)

The 2010 Solaia puts on an incredible show that hits all the senses and keeps your unyielding attention for as long as there is wine in the bottle. There are various ways to describe the bouquet. First, is the wine’s sweet side, as this beautiful 75-20-5 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc delivers ripe cherry, black currant, baking spice and dark chocolate. After that, the wine becomes redolent of tobacco, balsam, bay leaf, rum cake and dark licorice. The bouquet is all encompassing and complete. A firmly structured backbone is padded generously by the fleshy richness of its consistency. This is a gorgeous wine that will age for decades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040.

97 points, Wine Advocate (Issue # 208 - Aug 2013)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$399.98

Compare At: $449.99

This item is a pre-order estimated to arrive 5/16/2024. 5 bottles available.

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