In Bond Fine Wine. 2011 Antinori Tignanello, Toscana IGT, Super-Tuscans, Italy. Red italy - tuscany in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2015+. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
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.
Bruce Sanderson (BS) — 92/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/08/2014 · Drink 2015-2023
A powerful red, with plum, blackberry and black cherry flavors that border on jammy, all kept in check by juicy acidity and firm, dense tannins and leather and earth accents. Finishes long, with a mineral flourish. Best from 2015 through 2023.
James Suckling (JS) — 95/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 20/10/2014 · Drink 2016+
Ruby, rose, clear color. Fresh grapes, red fruit, marble and stone on the nose. Paprika, some cinnamon and fresh cherry on the palate. Light tannins develop structure and complexity. Sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. Better in 2016.
Monica Larner (ML) — 93/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/10/2014 · Drink 2015-2027
The 2011 Tignanello demonstrates a very ripe and fruit-forward personality with bursting cherry and blackberry folded within sweet spice, moist tobacco and honey-almond paste. Its texture is heavy and dense with sticky spots of sweetness (the alcohol is recorded at 14.5%). With such a fruit-heavy personality, the wine doesn't reach the soaring heights or brilliant complexity we see in cooler vint…