New
75cl
Solaia 2019 Marchesi Antinori
Vendor code : 968
Solaia is one of the most high-profile wines on the world wine scene. This elite super Tuscan is made from Bordeaux grapes and is only produced in the best years, for example, Solaia was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, and 1992. Worthy of special mention is the aging potential of Solaia, which boldly exceeds the threshold of 30 years, an excellent investment in the future for yourself or your children. The soils in the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro stone, which combines particularly well with Cabernet Franc to create a unique terroir that is fundamental to the creation of a top-tier wine.
The 2019 Solaia shows an intense personality, and this wine is a demonstration of the powerful fruit weight and dark concentration we have seen in the past. The 2019 Solaia calls for concentrated aromas of fruit, tobacco, oak, wildflowers, spice, overripe plum, clove, and warm pan-roasted almonds. The blend consists mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The fruit is harvested at the Tenuta Tignanello winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. The percentage of Cabernet Franc used in 2019 is the main "calling card" of Solaia, which is showing amazing results and plans to develop until 2050.
The Solaia vineyard is located on the sunniest part of the Tignanello slope. The best grapes from the best vineyard. Solaia is a 20-hectare vineyard located between 350 and 400 meters above sea level, with rocky soil. The Solaia vineyard is located in the Tignanello estate. The Antinori family first produced this wine in 1978 and the initial blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, this formula was repeated in 1979. In the following years, 20% Sangiovese was introduced, and some adjustments were made to the ratio between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc until the current blend was created. Solaia is only made in exceptional vintages and was not made in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, and 1992. Looking at the Chianti Classico vineyards from space, the Tignanello vineyard is the easiest to spot. Each row along its entire length is painstakingly studded with bright white stones. The large limestone stones have been crushed to produce finer pebbles. In the Tuscan sunlight, the stones glow with a silvery light. The ambitious project to cover this famous vineyard with white stones was completed some 15 years ago, one can only imagine the effort it cost the Marchesi Antinori team. The benefits for Solaia obtained thanks to this unique cultivation system are undeniable. Like the stones from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, these stones reflect light onto the bunches, ensuring uniform ripening at 450 meters above sea level. The whiteness of the stones helps reduce nighttime temperatures, as most of the heat is reflected off the stones during the day. The fresh night temperatures keep the soil cool and the environment relatively free of disease. According to the general manager of Marchesi Antinori, Renzo Cotarella, you can see the difference in the color of grapes harvested from rows of white stones. According to him, during the winemaking process, these fruits are always darker and the tannins are sweeter.
Reviews from critics
98/100
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95-100
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Wine Advocate
Monica Larner: “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.”
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 Spectator
Youthful, featuring intense fresh black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in accents of cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral streak underlining everything. Shows a solid spine of tannins that lend support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. Delivers terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length, yet this needs time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.
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