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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 Bruce 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. |
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The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging.
97+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Issue # 228 - Dec 2016)
Lots of blackberry and other dark-berry character in addition to stones and currants. Full, tight and focused with chewy tannins and a long and linear finish. Needs three to four years of bottle age to soften. Powerful.
97 points, James Suckling (Jan 2019)
The 2013 Solaia from magnum is a special wine. I spent a month in Tuscany that year, so my memories of the growing season are many. In the glass, the 2013 is exquisitely perfumed, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced. I wouldn’t plan on opening bottles anytime soon, but it’s great to see that the 2013 is living up to its potential.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Sep 2020)
Offers weight and presence, with black currant, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors. The structure is vibrant and harmonious. Herb, earth and spice accents complete the profile, with a lingering, savory finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2033. 500 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Mar 2017)
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