2008 Solaia
By Antinori
2008 Solaia from Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
Imbibing the 2008 Solaia from Antinori is akin to partaking in a fine orchestra performance, a symphony of flavours and core elements meticulously composed. This Italian powerhouse, one of the gleaming jewels in the Antinori crown, is a testament to momentous winemaking history that dates back centuries.
Precision Pioneering makes Par Excellence Vintage
In the realm of fine wines from Italy, the 2008 Solaia stands tall with its revered heritage and dedicated craftsmanship. Hailing from the heartland of Tuscan wine innovation, Antinori's persistence in viticultural perfection is witnessed lucidly in this vintage.
The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc encapsulates the signature power and depth of Solaia, while exhibiting refined uniqueness. This striking vintage presents a flamboyant display of bright cherry and blackberry notes, ripened to perfection during the generous sun-filled days of 2008.
Graceful Ageing amidst resilient terroir
The 2008 growing season was challenging - an unpredictable spring followed by hot summer days and cool nights tested both the vineyard resilience and winegrower's skill. Yet, this unpredictability culminated in a vintage brimming with compelling complexity.
The 2008 Solaia from Antinori characterises this climatic rollercoaster wonderfully, evoking depth and vigour. As such it can be considered a fascinating investment opportunity within the fine wine market - showcasing age-worthy complexity and an undeniably captivating charm.
Solaia Symphony - Culmination of Efforts
An alpha expression that straddles the robust and the elegant, Solaia’s 2008 vintage is cleanly swept by a soothing caress of gentle oak gradients, hinting at an underlying minerality. Its cocoon of softened tannins whispers of sweet savoury tones and exotic spices, leaving behind a lingering memory that warrants exploration.
Fashioned stringently, yet fluently from nature's drama and human dexterity, the 2008 Solaia from Antinori serves as a harmonious manuscript composed through dedication. It impresses as a passionate investment piece – one that favours those discerning palates, appreciative of Italy's ability in crafting compelling narratives in the realm of fine wines.
Market price (CAD)
$5,220.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
241.54
Scores and tasting notes
The 2008 Solaia is richer and darker than the Tignanello, but it isn’t an appreciably more complex or complete wine. It shows gorgeous depth and textural richness to match an expressive core of blackberry jam, smoke, scorched earth, crushed rocks and cassis. This is a beautiful wine, but not as great as I had hoped. The 2008 Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Antinori seems to do everything well these days, from churning out millions of bottles of supermarket wines all the way to turning out superb versions of their many flagship bottlings. This is another impressive set of new releases with a number of highlights. Over the years oenologist Renzo Cotarella has moved away from the super-late harvests of the late 1990s/early 2000s in favor of picking slightly earlier, a decision that has paid off handsomely, especially over the last few years. Antinori’s 2008s, from a vintage that is quite inconsistent across the board, are superb. I remember spending a few days near the estate’s Tignanello and Badia a Passignano estates in mid-August 2008. The days were very hot, but the nights were so cool that a sweater or light jacket was a necessity Importer: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA, tel. (425) 415-3738
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2011