Solaia 2020 (OWC 3)

Description

By Jane Anson in 2023 (JA98)

A great vintage of the iconic Solaia, full of cloves, sage, graphite, grilled dried herbs, underbrush and roasted cherry pit. There’s fruit too, bilberry and cassis, juicy and mouthwatering, both understated and exuberant, ensuring a Tuscan fingerprint despite its majority Cabernet Sauvignon construction. Has grip and length, and effortless charm, reflecting an excellent vintage with low yields after a hot dry summer. Antinori family showing once again why this wine, that comes from 20ha the sunniest slopes of the Tignanello estate, set at 350-400m altitude, is so hard to resist. Winemaking director Renzo Cotarella.

By Alexandre Ma in 2023 (AM98)

The deep comprehension of the terroir exhibited by Solaia is truly admirable. It’s as if every grape variety, upon entering its kingdom, naturally embodies the elegance of Solaia – a kind of sophistication bathed in the essence of the Italian Renaissance, showcasing both liveliness and delicate refinement. Each juicy sour plum and jujube exudes such fullness that, with a single bite, bursts with succulent, sweet-tart flavors. The subtle hints of pine and the delicate fragrance of red roses interweave to create a scene of refreshing, ethereal beauty; upon reflection, it emanates the cultured allure of literary connoisseurs. This skillful narrative approach deeply resonates with me, and I enthusiastically recommend it to those who share an appreciation for the essence of Tuscany.

By Decanter in 2023 (D97)

Baked black fruit, ripe, fragrant and intense on the nose. Bright and sour fruit on the palate, quite a sharp initial tang from the high acidity before rich, sunny, ripe strawberries and raspberries come into play with liquorice, toast and cedar aspects giving the spiced element to the expression and graphite offering minerality. This is a powerful wine no doubt, bordering on too hedonistic at times – a result of the hot and dry summer, it’s sensual, rich and flashy but the sense of control and layers of juicy freshness help balance the opulence with refinement. Clearly confident and charismatic, fans of this style will delight with Solaia in 2020.

By Wine Advocate in 2023 (WA96)

Inky dark in appearance, the 2020 Solaia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. This vintage unfolds to exuberant richness and thick layers of blackberry and plum. The tannins are sweet and expertly crafted, adding both depth and fruit weight. The 2020 vintage is quite bold, and it plays its best cards in terms of texture and mouthfeel. It’s a bigger, more accessible wine compared to the last two vintages on the market. Spice, toasted coffee bean and more dark fruit color this full-bodied Tuscan red.