Solaia 2016

Antinori

Case Format: 6x75cl

Max score: 100.0

Solaia is one of the most famous wines from the Italian wine company: Marchesi Antinori. The Antinori family have been producing wine for over six centuries, creating some of the finest wines in the world. Amongst their portfolio is the Tignanello estate, who host a twenty-hectare vineyard that produces their iconic Solaia wine. As part of this winery, Solaia is considered a “Super Tuscan”, therefore joining the ranks of some of the best wines being made today.

Situated in the heart of Chianti Classico, Solaia’s terroir consists of marine marlstone that is rich in both limestone and schist, in a micro-climate that benefits from hot days and cool nights. Its first vintage was created in 1978 with an initial blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, however the estate famously cultivates Italy’s indigenous Sangiovese grape which has since made its way into the wine.

IN BOND

CRITIC REVIEWS

100
James Suckling

Speechless here. I thought the 2015 was already perfect but this is perfect, too. But in a different way. It is so structured and multidimensional. Full-bodied, powerful and intense with incredible tannin backbone and depth. The dark-berry, wet-earth, oyster-shell and mushroom flavors are phenomenal. 20% less production than 2015. Give it four or five years to come together. Try after 2025.

100
Monica Larner

I fussed over scoring this wine more than Id like to admit—tasting through three samples under different conditions at various intervals and testing my impressions blind against wines in its peer group. Most importantly, I tasted this 2016 vintage against the 2015 vintage over and over again. I confess to a few nights of restless sleep as a result. Ultimately, my decision to award 100 points to the 2016 Solaia came on impulse and with the most natural sense of purpose. I had also given the 2015 vintage a perfect score, and intellectually, it seemed impossible not to pick a favorite among these two stunning expressions. I will also state, outright, that the wines are very different, principally because the 2015 vintage shows more overall opulence and sweetness that extends to the pronounced textural richness of the mouthfeel. The 2016 vintage, on the other hand, is more chiseled and sharp with mineral shadings of campfire ash and graphite at the rim of its dark fruit. The mouthfeel is more streamlined and tight at its core, suggesting that the wine will unfold and soften beautifully with time. I feel like 2015 is the Dolce & Gabbana of the situation and the 2016 is the Armani Privé. The personalities of the two wines are distinct, yet my admiration for each is identical.

DELIVERY INFORMATION

Please note the price indicated by Duty Paid shows the cost of the wine with the applicable taxes (Duty & VAT) added.
Cru Wine stores all its wines in-bond with LCB Eton Park. Deliveries to private customers within mainland UK are charged at £18 plus VAT, utilising London City Bond (LCB) transfer. This excludes Northern Ireland, Islands and Highlands. Deliveries outside of the UK Mainland will incur additional delivery charges, we will contact you to advise after your order has been placed.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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CASE FORMAT

MAX CRITIC SCORE

100.0

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Cru Wine Ltd.

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