2011 Solaia
By Antinori
2011 Solaia by Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
The 2011 Solaia from Antinori has an enduring allure amongst fine wine connoisseurs - an allure that was compellingly strong upon its release and still resonates vividly today. The distinctive vintage of 2011 hails from the fertile vineyards nestled in Tuscany's unspoiled landscapes, painting a picture of authentic Italian viticulture enriched by an illustrious heritage.
A unique year - an extraordinary vintage
Emulating the magic of Italy, the 2011 Solaia reflects a character drawn from the uniqueness of its climatic conditions. A milder winter was succeeded by a dry summer, enduing the grapes with a captivating balance between ripeness and acidity. This dance between nature’s variables has gifted us with a vintage unique to its year.
The elegance of the Cabernet Sauvignon is intertwisted with an unconditional power presented by Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes. An encounter with this wine offers layers of dark plums and cherries, underlined by opulent spice notes and toasted coffee nuances, a symphony of favours confined in a bottle.
Fruitful investment, promising returns
The charm and complexity of the 2011 Solaia positions it as an attractive investment option within the landscape of fine wines from Italy. Its robust structure not only reaffirms its longevity but also its potential for encouraging returns in the coming years. Our understanding and appreciation of wine grows alongside our cellars - and this Antinori masterpiece should indeed find a place in there.
Understanding factors such as these is quintessential to selecting fine wines for investment portfolios, and certainly something to keep in mind when considering this Italian icon.
In sum, the 2011 Solaia from Antinori is a wine that draws us to Italy with warmth and delicacy. It bestows upon us a taste of Tuscany's landscape, rich with flavour, prestige, history and the promise of a robust return on investment. A celebration of grape, soil and men, it's one not to miss in the grand tapestry of Italian fine wines.
Market price (GBP)
£2,520.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
229.09
Scores and tasting notes
I’m not fully convinced by the 2011 Solaia. It is a hedonistic and heady expression for sure, but it doesn’t come near the 97 points I awarded the 2010 vintage. In fact, the bouquet here is very ripe with thick tones of strawberry and blackberry folded within tobacco, leather and sweet spice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc offer flavors of rum cake and candied fruit. There’s a good amount of tannic firmness surrounded by thick extract and fleshiness.
Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2014