Solaia 2021 is a deep ruby red color. Impressive on the nose for its aromatic complexity and finesse: notes of small red fruit, especially raspberries and mulberries, lead over to sweet sensations of ripe apricots and red oranges together with light floral hints of roses. Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate and licorice are perfectly integrated and are accompanied by fresh impressions of mint and white pepper that give its generous bouquet a pleasant delicate spicy note.
The palate is enveloping, harmonious with an excellent and well-balanced structure. Plush, vibrant tannins contribute to its dense, captivating palate. The finish is exceptionally long and pleasurable with a persistent aftertaste that echoes toasted, and spicy notes perceived on the nose.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review - Rated 98:
Sophisticated and full of finesse. Medium- to full-bodied with racy, super silky tannins that go on for minutes. Blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of graphite and lead pencil. Such beautiful tannins. Racy and fine. Give it five or six years before drinking.
Wine Spectator Review - Rated 98:
A deep, dense red, drenched with blackberry, pomegranate, plum and sweet spice flavors. Iron, tobacco and wild herb elements peek through as this plays out on the finish under a strong grip of tannins. Shows terrific balance and length now, yet this should only improve after a few more years in the bottle. Superb. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2047. 7,333 cases made, 634 cases imported.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review - Rated 97:
All said and done, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Solaia is a monument to perfect winemaking. This coiffed supermodel does not show a single hair follicle out of place. However, it doesn't quite have the same sex appeal of the Tignanello. In my conversations with Estate Manager Renzo Cotarella during this tasting, it was expressed this way: "Tignanello is unexpected. Solaia is expected." Whereas Tignanello is a wine of vertical lift and energy, Solaia is a wine of lasting power. The wine offers generous depth and layering with soft tannins and some of the spicy pink peppercorn you get from the 9% Cabernet Franc (added to 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Sangiovese). The finish is extremely velvety and soft, but I notice that the flavors seem to become sweeter and riper the longer this wine stays in the glass. This newest release will hit the market in September.
