2019 Marchesi Antinori 'Solaia' Tuscany
Solaia 2019 is a deep ruby red color. Impressive on the nose for its aromatic complexity and finesse: notes of small red fruit, especially raspberries and mulberries, lead over to sweet sensations of ripe apricots and red oranges together with light floral hints of roses. Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate and licorice are perfectly integrated and are accompanied by fresh impressions of mint and white pepper that give its generous bouquet a pleasant delicate spicy note. The palate is enveloping, harmonious with an excellent and well-balanced structure. Plush, vibrant tannins contribute to its dense, captivating palate. The finish is exceptionally long and pleasurable with a persistent aftertaste that echoes toasted, and spicy notes perceived on the nose.
*Pre-Sale* Ships end of Spring 2023
There just aren't many on the level of Piero Antinori. Process this for a moment: He represents the 25th generation in an unbroken string of vintners, beginning in 1385. 26 generations! His family started accumulating knowledge about vineyard and cellar practices when Chaucer was working on The Canterbury Tales. It's difficult to comprehend. His lifetime experience cannot be overstated as he has literally been involved with wine his entire life. In fact, one of his first memories is of German soldiers shooting barrels in his family's cellars as Europe descended into chaos at the end of WWII. He has a truly encyclopedic knowledge of what it means to be a winemaker, and he understands that he is a vital link from his family's past to its future as the Antinori footprint expands across the globe.
James Suckling
This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 20% Sangiovese. Try in 2025
Wine Advocate
The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading wine estate. The blend sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and a slightly lower percentage of Sangiovese. The current mix is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc (which has been creeping up in recent years, especially as the climate changes). The soils at the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro rock, which is an especially happy pairing with Cabernet Franc in particular. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella tells me that that a vintage like 2019 is proof that the final character of a wine comes from its surrounding territory, not from the blend. This is a generous and extremely expressive edition with lots of dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The tannins are beautifully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love.
Vinous
The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2019 is so expressive right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate and grilled herbs all take shape. Here, too, the aromatics are alluring. Cabernet Franc is bumped up a bit in the blend, and that works so well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and buttoned up... The 2019 Solaia is th sort of wine I would like to spend a whole evening with. Aging was 18 months in 100% new French oak.