Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2019

Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2019 is an iconic, exceptionally structured Super Tuscan red wine originating from a prized 20-hectare southwest-facing hillside vineyard situated at 350–400 meters elevation on the Tenuta Tignanello estate in the heart of Chianti Classico. Aged for approximately 18 months in new French oak barriques, it displays a deep, impenetrable ruby-purple color. The nose reveals an immensely complex bouquet of ripe cassis, black cherry, wild blueberry, and graphite, layered with nuances of sweet tobacco, espresso bean, crushed violet, dark chocolate, and subtle Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it exhibits extraordinary power, density, and seamless balance, characterized by ultra-polished, fine-grained tannins and a vibrant, driving acidity that carries a rich core of dark fruit through to a remarkably long, elegant, 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.

98 Points - James Suckling

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 Points - Wine Spectator

Youthful, featuring intense fresh black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in accents of cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral streak underlining everything. Shows a solid spine of tannins that lend support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. Delivers terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length, yet this needs time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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 Points - Wine Enthusiast

This wine has a deeply savory nose, with seaweed, soy sauce, olives, tobacco, black licorice and a rich medley of cherries, blackberries and plums. The fruity, spicy palate brings more berries, dark chocolate and chili peppers, emphasized by palpable heat and sticky but gentle tannins through a seemingly infinite finish. It’s exceptionally drinkable now, but a few more years would guarantee a command performance.