Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2015

Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2015 is an extraordinary, full-bodied Super Tuscan crafted from a premier 20-hectare southwest-facing hillside vineyard situated on the Tenuta Tignanello estate in the heart of Chianti Classico. Aged for approximately 18 months in new French oak barriques, it displays an intense, deep ruby-purple color with an expansive, highly complex bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, wild blackberry, and graphite, layered with nuances of sweet cocoa, white pepper, tobacco leaf, and crushed dried herbs. On the palate, it exhibits exceptional power, structure, and seamless balance, characterized by fine-grained, ultra-silky tannins and a vibrant line of acidity that carries a rich core of dark fruit through to a remarkably long, polished, and persistent finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs magnificently with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roasted rack of lamb, braised beef short ribs, wild boar ragù, or well-aged Pecorino Toscano cheese.

100 Points - James Suckling

The nose to this Solaia is truly phenomenal with currants, blackberries, roses and violets. So perfumed. Full-bodied and everything is in check and harmony with polished tannins that last for minutes. Purity and focus. Is it the greatest Solaia ever? So drinkable already, but this is a wine for ages ahead.

100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

There is a magical infinity, a continuous loop of compatibilities, between the icon wines of Tuscany and the 2015 vintage. The stunning 2015 Solaia is solid evidence of this perfect alignment. This was a warm vintage that shows less favorably in my opinion in different parts of Italy and with other grapes that render their most elegant performances in the cooler vintages. I would put pure expressions of Nebbiolo and Sangiovese in this category. However, Tuscany and many of her great blended reds (made partially or fully with international grapes) operate according to a different logic. To me, their maximum expression comes when you can taste that Tuscan sunshine beaming from within. Its rays are brilliant and warm. They shine across the senses with opulence and intensity. The very name Solaia evokes the concept of sunshine and this unique Tuscan wine archetype I am referring to. With the 2015 vintage, Solaia is liquid sunshine not just in name but also in fact. The bouquet is immediately soft and sensual with dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The mouthfeel shows intensity and power, but you don't get any heavy residue from the dry extract (measured at 33 grams per liter). Indeed, the wine feels glossy, tonic and fresh. It is composed of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and a tiny part Cabernet Franc. There is a bit of crunch or snap that comes thanks to the more acidity-prone Sangiovese grape (the wine measures 3.5 in pH). Finally, the tannins are beautifully sweet and ripe. This wine is meticulously executed, and the 2015 vintage lives up to an ideal of what we imagine Solaia to be. It will be released about a week after this review is published.

98 Points - Wine Spectator

Floral, mint and medicinal herb aromas introduce this rich, black currant–infused red. Firm and compact, with vibrant structure, youthful harmony and a lingering, fruit-, herb- and spice-tinged finish. Shows terrific balance and length, with the best yet to come. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2038.

98 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Full-bodied and elegant, this gorgeous red offers aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, fragrant blue flower, spice, menthol and a whiff of new leather. It’s structured and loaded with finesse, delivering cassis, ripe Marasca cherry, licorice and tobacco set against a firm backbone of smooth, velvety tannins. Surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced. It still needs a few more years to fully develop.