Solaia Toscana IGT 2013 Antinori

The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging.

This is an excellent set of wines from Marchesi Antinori and the talented winemaking team based in Tuscany. I am particularly impressed by the two top wines - Tignanello and Solaia - from the 2013 vintage. Compared to 2011 and 2012, both these wines show a superior sense of harmony and intensity.

Lots of blackberry and other dark-berry character in addition to stones and currants. Full, tight and focused with chewy tannins and a long and linear finish. Needs three to four years of bottle age to soften. Powerful.

Offers weight and presence, with black currant, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors. The structure is vibrant and harmonious. Herb, earth and spice accents complete the profile, with a lingering, savory finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2033.

A wine of reserve, polish and class, the 2013 Solaia is striking from start to finish. Subtle and exquisitely layered, the 2013 graces the palate with a host of crème de cassis, blackberry jam, menthol, lavender and violet overtones. This is another tightly wound, reticent 2013 from Antinori that is going to need time to fully unwind. Finesse replaces the exuberant power that is so often found.