Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2018

Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2018 is an exceptional, full-bodied Super Tuscan crafted from a premier 20-hectare southwest-facing 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-red color accompanied by a captivatingly complex bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, wild blackberries, and dark plums, gracefully integrated with nuances of toasted oak, dark chocolate, sweet spices, and crushed dried herbs. On the palate, it showcases supreme elegance, structural precision, and tension, featuring fine, silky-smooth tannins and a vibrant core of rich dark fruit that transitions into an extraordinarily long, sophisticated 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.

97 Points - James Suckling

Very aromatic and lively on the nose with currants, fresh herbs, white pepper and cherry blossoms. Full-bodied with a vertical, multilayered structure and ultra fine tannins. Velvety texture. Extremely long and focused. Complex and succulent. This is the smallest production of Solaia ever. Great length. This is a beautifully complex red that’s open now, but needs another three to four years to show even more of its excellence.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Marchesi Antinori 2018 Solaia reveals a silky and elegant personality, and the wine steps away from some of the more robust fruit weight and dark concentration that we've seen in the past. This elegant vintage prizes fruit purity and focus with black plum, cassis, blue flower, pencil shaving and lots of sweet spice from the oak that recalls clove and toasted almond. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The fruit is harvested at the Antinori family's Tenuta Tignanello at the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. The percentage of Cabernet Franc used in the blend is the ultimate Solaia wild card. In this vintage, the Franc has been increased to 7%, and that number is expected to be even higher in 2019 as the vines get older and the fruit more complex.

95 Points - Wine Spectator

Vibrant black currant, violet, vanilla and toasty oak flavors are the hallmarks of this classy red, which is succulent and balanced, with fine grip and a long, fruit-, iron- and spice-tinged aftertaste. More on the elegant side than powerful, yet this would benefit from an additional two to three years aging. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2040.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Showing muscle and restraint, this opulent, full-bodied red opens with subtle aromas of camphor, cassis, espresso and star anise. The concentrated, enveloping palate features raisin, steeped prune, licorice and mocha while velvety tannins lend a smooth texture. Best After 2030