2013 Antinori Solaia

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About the Wine 

The prize of the Marchesi Antinori estate is this 50 acre vineyard with southwest facing vines on top of albarese (limestone) and galestro (clay) soils. The wine is only produced in exceptional vintages and it is considered one of the blue chips in all of Italy. A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc, this may be one of the best ever vintages for this wine from this historic estate.

Vintage Rating: 95pts, WA

Tasting Notes: A very intense ruby red with purple highlights, the 2013 Solaia shows aromas of ripe red fruit, pleasurably fresh and vibrant, accompanied by balsamic sensation of liquorice and mint. Hints of vanilla and smoke on the aromatic close fuse with an intense spiciness to create a powerful impact. The palate, initially elegant, becomes full bodied with tannins of much shape and solidity. The finish and aftertaste are quite complex with their expressive notes of black fruit and chocolate along with an excellent savor and vigor.

Reviews

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.

This is an excellent set of wines from Marchesi Antinori and the talented winemaking team based in Tuscany. I am particularly impressed by the two top wines - Tignanello and Solaia - from the 2013 vintage. Compared to 2011 and 2012, both these wines show a superior sense of harmony and intensity. ~97+, WA

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. ~ 97pts JS
97 points, Daniele Cernilli