Solaia Tasting Event - Vinitaly 2010

Solaia event hosted by Marchesi Antinori for a vertical tasting of Solaia blend from 1978, 1988, 1994, 1997, 2004, and 2007. All proceeds from the tasting went to a social foundation in Italy. Antinori's definition of Super Tuscan is a wine not covered by a DOC or single variety and this linked to a vineyard for its origin.

First production year. Terroir, soil, vineyard were a new match. Young vineyard gave spiciness to the vintage. 1978 did not go to market until after it had improved a few years.

• 1978 Antinori Solaia 80 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted at Solaia Event at Vinitaly 2010
  
  80% Cab Sauv, 20% Cab Franc
  
  

Eye: mature maroon color. Nose: balsamic. Mouth: some salt, still has tannins, not really oxidized, spicy notes (from young vines). Not really an enjoyable wine to drink but can taste the maturity of the blend.

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Long hot summer in 1988. Strong muscularity to the wine. The cabernet sauvignon is becoming Tuscan after 10 years in the ground. Altitude of 350m. Stony red clay in the ground provides intensity. Sangiovese becomes the strong partner in the blend.

• 1988 Antinori Solaia 85 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted at Solaia Event at Vinitaly 2010
  
  75% cab sauv, 20% sangiovese, 5% cab franc
  
  

Eye: deeper color. Nose: smoky, leather, licorice. Mouth: strong, powerful flavor, strong tannins yet supported by the acidity. Some salt.

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Cabernet Sauvignon was the highest quality grape in the 1994 blend.

• 1994 Antinori Solaia 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted at Solaia Event at Vinitaly 2010
  
  70% Cab Sauv, 20% Sangiovese, 10% Cab Franc
  
  

Eye: deep ruby color. Nose: some barnyard, berries. Mouth: balsamic, rosemary, dark fruit, aggressive tannins, good finish and structure.

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One of the top wines by Wine Spectator Top 100. Warm wind in 1997. Balanced. Between 1997-2004, some excellent vintages including 1999 and 2001.

• 1997 Antinori Solaia 91 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted at Solaia Event at Vinitaly 2010
  
  75% Cab Sauv, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cab Franc
  
  

Eye: deep ruby color with some maroon hints, long legs. Nose: vanilla, smoke, tobacco. Mouth: slight sweetness, strong tannins, round in the mouth, balanced.

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Difficult year. Harvest was 2 weeks later. Slow maceration.

• 2004 Antinori Solaia 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted at Solaia Event at Vinitaly 2010
  
  75% Cab Sauv, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cab Franc
  
  

Eye: deep ruby, plum color. Nose: minerality, smoke, wood. Mouth: slightly green pepper flavor, minerality, sweetness hidden, seems higher alcohol finish, not as strong tannins. C's favorite.

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New production from replanted vines. Still a young wine - only a preview.

• 2007 Antinori Solaia 87 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted at Solaia Event at Vinitaly 2010
  
  75% Cab Sauv, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cab Franc
  
  

Eye: deep purple color. Nose: fruit floats out of the glass, no smoke, no subtlety. Mouth: very young wine, lot of fruit, strong alcohol, elegance? New production from replanted vines.

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The Super Tuscan wines older than 1994 were hard to appreciate but clearly had the potential to age and had high quality. Tuscany has strong personality & identify, excellent aging potential, and provide good pleasure (hedonistic & intellectual).