Solaia 2017

Solaia is one of the Originl and top-rated "Super Tuscan", a term used to describe red wines 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.

Solaia is a vineyard of about 10 hectares in size, with a south-west exposure, located in the Tignanello Estate at an altitude of between 350 and 400 meters above sea level. It is situated on rocky calcareous soil which contains limestone rocks.

Marchesi Antinori’s first vintage of this wine was 1978. Solaia is heralded as a defining wine to Italy, the ultimate “Super Toscan” alongside Sassicaia or Ornellaia.

"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, The Wine Advocate, Rating: 95, Drink: 2021-2040