Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2012

Professional Ratings

• 97 Wine Enthusiast
  This stunning expression of Solaia opens with ample aromas of exotic spices, tilled soil, mature black-skinned fruit and an underlying whiff of fragrant blue flowers. The vibrant, elegantly structured palate doles out high-toned black cherry, ripe blackberry, white pepper, cinnamon, clove and Mediterranean herbs alongside a backbone of firm, polished tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2017–2032. Cellar Selection.
• 97 James Suckling
  Extremely impressive ripe dark fruits of blueberries, plums and blackberries follow through to a full body, round texture and bright acidity. The finesse and depth to this red is stunning making it a wonderful successor to the 2011 Solaia.
• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2012 Solaia is the ultimate comfort wine: It serves as a beautiful monument to the potential of Italian wine. Let me give you some context. My lukewarm review of the 2011 vintage caused some heads to turn. Happily, the previous vintage has served as a springboard for this current release. Both 2011 and 2012 come from hot climatic conditions, but these wines are very different in style and content. The 2011 heat softened the lines that make up the varietal identity of this celebrated Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Those lines are presented in sharp focus with the 2012 edition. The nose is redolent of dark berry, crushed mineral, plum, spice and touch of white pepper. The wine is integrated and seamless, but it speaks with a strong and articulate voice.
• 94 Wine & Spirits
  To achieve the purity of fruit exhibited in this wine required careful fruit selection in the warm 2012 vintage. Lush flavors of black plum and cherry swirl around tannins so suave that they feel like they’ve been individually buffed. The wine unfolds in layers of tobacco, graphite and chocolate, brightened by accents of mint and spice. The flavors gain energy as they race across the palate, maintaining a harmonious balance on the persistent finish. This will get even better with time in the cellar, but its lush, vibrant flavors are hard to resist today.
• 93 Wine Spectator
  Ripe plum and black cherry notes are augmented by toast, spice and tobacco details in this muscular red. Turns more compact on the finish, where dense, dusty tannins reign. Just needs time to integrate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2026.