This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 20% sangiovese. Try in 2025. - James Suckling , 98 points. Love the depth and restrained power on display here. Made for leisurely drinking over a few hours. Cocoa powder, liqourice, blueberry, smoked herbs and raspberry fruits. Tannins have texture and grip, highlighting a lemongrass and slate roughness to the finish, all given definition by a fennel, almost hoppy bitterness on the finish. The Antinori family, with director Stefano Carpaneto are making the most of a superb vintage with this wine, highly recommended, especially with an extra few years in bottle before opening. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, 98 points. Youthful, featuring intense fresh black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in accents of cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral streak underlining everything. Shows a solid spine of tannins that lend support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. Delivers terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length, yet this needs time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2045. From Italy.—B.S., Wine Spectator, 98 points. The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading wine estate. The blend sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and a slightly lower percentage of Sangiovese. The current mix is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc (which has been creeping up in recent years, especially as the climate changes). The soils at the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro rock, which is an especially happy pairing with Cabernet Franc in particular. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella tells me that that a vintage like 2019 is proof that the final character of a wine comes from its surrounding territory, not from the blend. This is a generous and extremely expressive edition with lots of dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The tannins are beautifully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate. 97 points.
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