This past March, I tasted the 1995 Solaia and was somewhat underwhelmed given the pedigree of the vineyard and the wine. I started to wonder if the wine's style simply wasn't evolving into something I enjoy. With a noticeable sigh of relief, I can say that isn't the case with yesterday's Mother's Day tasting of the 2001.
The 2001 Antinori Solaia is the best version of this wine I've had in recent memory. In the glass, the color is a dark, vibrant purple with pretty violet reflections. The aromas are a wonderful combination of new world ripeness and old world terroir. Ripe plums and black fruits dominate the nose, but there's plenty of character here too. The fruit is accented by cedar, mineral, mint, and roasted coffee. It's reminiscent of classy First Growth Bordeaux; ala Mouton. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and very silky. Refined and elegant with ripe, rich flavors of black fruits with sweet pipe tobacco, coffee, minerals and chalky dust. Moderately tannic, but nothing that wasn't tamed by the NY Strip steaks. Can easily be enjoyed now but in no danger of fading. This single vineyard wine is 80% Cabernet and 20% Sangiovese. 95 points, about $80 upon release.
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| Solaia: Sourced from Chianti Classico, the wine is 80% Cabernet & 20% Sangiovese |
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