In Bond Fine Wine. 2009 Antinori Solaia, Toscana IGT, Super-Tuscans, Italy. Red italy - tuscany in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2015+. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
From a single vineyard on the highest, sunniest hillside of Tenuta Tignanello, first made in 1978. Solaia is one of Tuscany’s great “Super Tuscans,” created by the Antinori family as a companion to Tignanello and produced only in the finest vintages. The vineyard, set on a sun-drenched hillside (“Solaia” translates as the sunny one), is planted to Cabe Tignanello, like Sassicaia, holds a special place in the history of Italian wine. First made in 1970, Tig was a groundbreaking blend of the local Sangiovese with international Cabernet Sauvignon.
James Suckling (JS) — 96/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 29/08/2012 · Drink 2015+
A Solaia with lots of currants, berries and milk chocolate yet reserved and focused. Full body, with refined tannins and an alluring finish. Needs at least two or three years to come together. Can't decide if I like this better than the superb 2008. Better in 2015.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 96/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/06/2012 · Drink 2019-2029
The 2009 Solaia is one of the clear standouts of the vintage. Freshly cut flowers, raspberries, spices, mint and licorice burst from the glass as this fabulous, viscerally thrilling wine shows off its pure class. Today the oak is a bit prominent, but that won't be an issue by the time the wine is ready to drink. In one of my blind tastings, the 2009 Solaia was flat-out great. There is no shortage…