2009 Antinori - Solaia Proprietary Blend - Italy - Tuscany - Red

(mostly cabernet sauvignon with a little franc): Deep ruby-red. Pungent, brooding aromas of cassis, blackberry jelly, licorice, clove, bay leaf and violet; very aromatic and very cabernet sauvignon. Dense, highly concentrated and seamless, with good verve thanks to harmonious acidity that lifts the dark fruit and aromatic cedar flavors. Finishes with superripe, fine, toothcoating tannins, a hint of alcoholic warmth and great persistence. A very aromatic, tactile and smooth Solaia, in a slightly warmer style owing to the hot vintage but with a refinement lacking in the Tignanello of the same year; you can tell the grapes come from a select portion of vines within the Tignanello vineyard. This ought to develop splendidly in bottle and has great potential.

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 of pedigree here. The 2009 has calmed down a little from its youth, when it was a much more exuberant wine, and has now begun to close down in bottle. Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc from a single parcel within the Antinori family's Tignanello vineyard.

A pretty red, boasting floral, cherry, black currant, chocolate and spice aromas and flavors. The firm structure is assertive now, with acidity and tannins, but the sweet fruit and spice flavors persist and grace the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

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