Tasted next to so many other great wines, the 1990 Solaia actually suffers a bit. I am sure it would be magnificent on its own, but here it comes comes across as a bit one-dimensional, with less opulence than vintages like 1994 and 1997, but less structure than the 1988 tasted immediately before. Overall, the 1990 is a hugely attractive wine that stops just a touch short of being truly profound.

This is all in harmony. Aromas of mint, berry and currants. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins and a long claretlike finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend really comes out now. Will age well for many years to come.--1990 Tuscany retrospective. Drink now. 5,000 cases made.

The 1990 Solaia is slightly more concentrated than the 1990 Tignanello, with a saturated purple color, and a classic, international nose of cassis, lead pencil, vanillin, and smoke. It is gorgeously rich, with a fat, unctuous texture, and a long, highly extracted finish. Well-balanced and already delicious, it remains unevolved and is potentially a 12-20 year wine. In the context of recent Solaias, I would rate it a worthy competitor to the other-worldly 1985. It is certainly much more opulent, with sweeter, jammier, richer fruit than the 1988 (most recently rated 88 points). Importer: Remy Amerique, Inc., New York, NY.

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Sangiovese, again a very deep immature colour for the 1990 Tuscan. The nose is backward, tarry, a touch of smoky bacon and then with time some mint developing. More complex than the Sassicaia ’90 but lacking the same sense of charm as the Ornellaia ’90. The palate is packed full of black cherries, cassis and blueberry but perhaps lacks a little acidity towards the finish, which could benefit from more poise and delineation. A great Solaia, no doubt, but there are plenty of other vintages that I prefer at the moment. Drink 2010-2025. Tasted May 2008.

Very deep crimson. Slightly tired nose. Sweet but a bit simple and lacking freshness. Dusty. I suspect this may have been a bad bottle. (JR)