2013 Antinori, P Solaia

The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging. (Monica Larner)

Lots of blackberry and other dark-berry character in addition to stones and currants. Full, tight and focused with chewy tannins and a long and linear finish. Needs three to four years of bottle age to soften. Powerful.

A wine of reserve, polish and class, the 2013 Solaia is striking from start to finish. Subtle and exquisitely layered, the 2013 graces the palate with a host of crème de cassis, blackberry jam, menthol, lavender and violet overtones. This is another tightly wound, reticent 2013 from Antinori that is going to need time to fully unwind. Finesse replaces the exuberant power that is so often found. Drink 2021 - 2035.

-- Antonio Galloni

– vinous.com, Oct 2016

Quality 935 | Brand 980 | Economics 964 | buzz brand
Quality: Predicted life of 16 years, one of the longest drinking windows in its peer group, which averages 8 years Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 30 of the world's top wine lists, including CÉ LA VI Economics: Above its peer group average price of £72 for the 2013 vintage Production:

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017