Description
Solaia is a 50 acre (20 hectare) vineyard with a southwestern exposure located at an altitude between 1150 and 1325 feet (350-400 meters) above sea level and with a stony soil of “alberese” (hard limestone) and “galestro” (flaky calcareous clay) rock. The vineyard is located at the Tignanello estate. The Antinori family produced this wine for the first time in the year 1978. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The percentage of Cabernet Franc used in the blend is the ultimate Solaia wild card. In this vintage, the Franc has been increased to 7%, and that number is expected to be even higher in 2019 as the vines get older and the fruit more complex. Aging took place in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. The various lots were aged separately then blended and reintroduced into barrels to complete the aging process.
Tasting Notes :
Solaia 2018 is an intense ruby red color. Its nose offers intense notes of dark, ripe fruit in particular blueberries and black currants that merge seamlessly with pleasant sensations of dried flowers and lavender, accompanied by delicate spicy notes of white pepper and balsamic notes of mint and eucalyptus. Sweet, well-integrated aromas of white chocolate, cotton candy and dried fruit complete its rich bouquet. On the palate, Solaia 2018 is mouth filling and creamy: soft, silky tannins impart an extremely elegant, lengthy and lingering finish, with a pleasing aftertaste reminiscent of licorice. Floral and spicy notes originally perceived on the nose accent the finish.
