Solaia 2017

Here is the latest release from Solaia, an iconic brand of the Antinori family from Italy.  Solaia is one of the original and top-rated, "Super Tuscans,"  a term used to describe red wines made from Tuscany that may include the use of non-indigenous grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

The Antinori family has been making wine for over six hundred years.  The qualities of tradition, passion, and instinct have made Antinori one of the leading Italian producers of fine wines.  Marchesi Antinori's first vintage of this wine was 1978.  Solaia is heralded as a defining wine to Italy -- the ultimate, "Super Tuscan" alongside Sassicaia or Ornellaia.  Solaia 2017 is offered at $259/bt.

"Just bottled, the 2017 Solaia is naturally going to need time to come together. Even in the early going, though, it shows all the richness and opulence that is typical of the year, with terrific aromatic expansiveness and tons of persistence. I can't wait to taste it with a bit more time in bottle." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Ratings: 95+, Drink: 2022-2042

"The Marchesi Antinori 2017 Solaia offers a uniquely floral personality with wild rose and lilac that comes as a surprise, especially if you are expecting the more robust and opulent dark fruit associated with this vintage. To use a word that is popular now, the aromas are absolutely lifted. This is a bouquet-driven wine, showing great oak choices that are synergistic with the light and considerably thinner palate. Dried or pressed flowers cede to cherry, blueberry, some red meat char and a light touch of cinnamon. My impression is that the dry extract from the oak ultimately plays a bigger role in the overall flavor profile, preserving its red fruit core nevertheless. The wine is very accessible in terms of mouthfeel, showing a comparatively thinner and shorter approach. With more time in the glass, it offers some of the white soil dust that is a standard Solaia signature. It will be released the first week of September." - Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Ratings: 95, Drink: 2021-2040