2022 Antinori "Solaia" Toscana

More elegant than powerful and more approachable than usual, with stunning concentration and complexity. Aromas of subtle cassis, toast, herbs and a refreshing balsamic touch. Firm on the palate, with a full body, velvety texture and moderate acidity but not at the expense of its great balance. Sleek, polished aftertaste with sweet tobacco flavors. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. (AF)

Solaia is a wine born from a specific place, a testament to the idea that the greatest wines are an expression of their unique terroir. Its story begins on the sunniest part of the Tignanello hillside, in the heart of Chianti Classico, a vineyard considered to be the estate's very best. From this privileged position, Marchesi Antinori cultivates the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese grapes that become the soul of Solaia. The Tenuta Tignanello estate lies between the Greve and Pesa river valleys, on soils that originated from marine marlstone in the Pliocene period. This ancient ground, rich in limestone, schist, and marine fossils, imparts a distinct mineral complexity to the wine. Throughout the growing season, the vines bask in hot daytime temperatures, allowing for perfect ripeness, while cooler evenings preserve the grapes' vibrant acidity and aromatic nuance. This harmony of soil and climate is palpable in the 2022 Solaia. The wine is a profound and compelling expression of its origin. The nose is a deep and captivating display of dark fruit—blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry—seamlessly integrated with notes of graphite, cedar, and sweet tobacco that speak directly to its noble terroir. The palate is rich, velvety, and expansive, with a core of concentrated fruit framed by polished, noble tannins. Defined by the international press as "among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture," Solaia is more than a wine; it is one of the true super wine of the world.