Antinori Solaia 2018 (750 ml)

The Marchesi Antinori 2018 Solaia reveals a silky and elegant personality, and the wine steps away from some of the more robust fruit weight and dark concentration that we've seen in the past. This elegant vintage prizes fruit purity and focus with black plum, cassis, blue flower, pencil shaving and lots of sweet spice from the oak that recalls clove and toasted almond. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The fruit is harvested at the Antinori family's Tenuta Tignanello at the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. The percentage of Cabernet Franc used in the blend is the ultimate Solaia wild card. In this vintage, the Franc has been increased to 7%, and that number is expected to be even higher in 2019 as the vines get older and the fruit more complex. Production of Solaia is 65,000 bottles in this vintage. This is a beautiful wine, but if pressed I must admit a preference for the 2018 Tignanello (the other celebrated wine crafted at this property). The 2018 Solaia is delicious on all fronts as expected, but the 2018 Tignanello struck at my heart strings. Either way, these are stunning results.

Very aromatic and lively on the nose with currants, fresh herbs, white pepper and cherry blossoms. Full-bodied with a vertical, multilayered structure and ultra fine tannins. Velvety texture. Extremely long and focused. Complex and succulent. This is the smallest production of Solaia ever. Great length. This is a beautifully complex red that’s open now, but needs another three to four years to show even more of its excellence.

Vibrant black currant, violet, vanilla and toasty oak flavors are the hallmarks of this classy red.

The wine is elegant and succulent, with concentrated dark fruit framed by polished oak and a firm but refined grip. Mineral and spice notes emerge as it opens, adding lift and definition to the richly textured palate. The finish is long, balanced, and savory, suggesting that additional bottle age will bring even greater harmony and complexity.

Showing muscle and restraint, this opulent, full-bodied red opens with subtle aromas of camphor, cassis, espresso and star anise.

This is a concentrated, full-bodied Solaia built around dark fruit, dried berry, licorice, mocha, and warming spice. Velvety tannins give the wine a luxurious texture while maintaining enough structure for extended aging. The flavors remain deep and persistent through the finish, and the wine should become more expressive with time in the cellar.