Solaia 2019 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:
This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 20% sangiovese. Try in 2025.
Wine Spectator Review – Rated 98:
Youthful, featuring intense fresh black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in accents of cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral streak underlining everything. Shows a solid spine of tannins that lend support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. Delivers terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length, yet this needs time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review – Rated 97:
The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany’s leading wine estate. The blend sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and a slightly lower percentage of Sangiovese. The current mix is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc (which has been creeping up in recent years, especially as the climate changes). The soils at the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro rock, which is an especially happy pairing with Cabernet Franc in particular. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella tells me that that a vintage like 2019 is proof that the final character of a wine comes from its surrounding territory, not from the blend. This is a generous and extremely expressive edition with lots of dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The tannins are beautifully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love.
