The 2001 Solaia (magnum) represents the peak of an era in which richness, concentration and extraction were pushed to the limit, typical of so many wines in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Super-ripe dark red fruit, raspberry jam, rose petal, licorice and copious new oak build in an unapologetically rich, heady Solaia. The 2001 is not at all subtle, but it has aged well.

The 2001 Solaia, far superior to the overrated 1997 (to which I also prefer the 1999 and 1994) is a classic example of central Tuscan Cabernet at its best, ruby-purple in color, warm and explosive in its expression of black currant fruit, tobacco, tar, and graphite, superbly concentrated and dense on the palate but balanced and shapely at the same time and with a noble austerity and grip on the finish which resembles the best of Bordeaux. The wine is a sure bet for another two decades of superb drinking. Drink now-2026. DT

Masses of coffee and blackberry character in this youthful wine. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, loads of fruit and excellent wood. Big and juicy, with a long, long finish. A fine wine. Needs time. Best after 2007. 7,500 cases made.