Antinori Solaia 2018

Antinori is a Tuscan-based wine company that is one of the largest and most prominent in Italy. The house dates back to the 14th Century.  In 1900, Antinori added the Tignanello vineyard to its portfolio, and Niccolò Antinori and his son Piero began to experiment with then unheard-of winemaking techniques and grape varieties. The first vintage of Tignanello was released in 1971.  From the sunniest part of the Tignanello hill comes the Solaia Toscana IGT, with 75 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Sangiovese and 5 percent Cabernet Franc.

“Produced since 1978, Solaia comes from a 20-hectare vineyard with a southwestern exposure at around 350-400 metres above sea level. The soil is the typical 'alberese' limestone and 'galestro' schist. The 2018 vintage was fairly classic. The grape harvest began in late September with Cabernet Franc, followed by Sangiovese, and was completed on 10 October with Cabernet Sauvignon. This Solaia opens up with restrained bramble fruits, meaty hints, clove and dark chocolate framed with balsamic notes. The attack is full and soft with lively acidity, focused on the vibrancy of Cabernet Sauvignon from Chianti, with impressively refined tannins. Polished and concentrated, it finishes with an amazing salty persistency.” [Aldo Fiorelli, Decanter 98 pts]