2019 Solaia, Marchesi Antinori

The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading wine estate. The blend sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and a slightly lower percentage of Sangiovese. The current mix is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc (which has been creeping up in recent years, especially as the climate changes). The soils at the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro rock, which is an especially happy pairing with Cabernet Franc in particular. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella tells me that that a vintage like 2019 is proof that the final character of a wine comes from its surrounding territory, not from the blend. This is a generous and extremely expressive edition with lots of dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The tannins are beautifully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love. ~ (97) Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 6-30-2022

~ (97) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 2-1-2022

This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 20% sangiovese. Try in 2025. ~ (98) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 6-8-2022

Very polished, with dark fruit and fragrant red flowers. There is a real fragrance and note of graphite that may be a reflection of the increased Cabernet Franc. The wood is fairly prominent on the palate, slightly masking the fruit at this early stage and adding a granular structure on top of already powerful Cabernet tannins. Sweet fruit does reveal itself more on the finish, suggesting this is just in an awkward phase at the moment. ~ (17) Tom Parker, JancisRobinson.com 9-8-2022