Name: Solaia 2016 (100pts)
Brand: Italy
SKU: 0001-6635

Solaia comes from the heart of Chianti Classico at the Tenuta Tignanello estate, nestled between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. The estate covers 319 hectares, of which 165 are dedicated to vineyards, including the prized Solaia and Tignanello plots. The soils here, originating from Pliocene marine marlstone rich in limestone and schist, combined with hot daytime temperatures and cool nights, produce grapes of exceptional ripeness and structure.

The 2016 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season. Mild, rainy winter conditions were followed by an early budbreak and generally favourable spring weather. Summer was warm but without extreme heat, ensuring even ripening and retention of freshness in the fruit. Following a prolonged maturation period, the grapes were hand-harvested and carefully sorted. Extraction was precise, achieving supple tannins while preserving aromatic intensity. Malolactic fermentation and initial aging took place in new French oak barrels for ten months, followed by blending and further maturation before bottling.

Solaia 2016 is deep ruby in colour with a layered nose of ripe blackberries, blueberries, and cassis, balsamic herbs, mint, and spice. Cocoa, white pepper, and hints of floral notes add complexity. The palate is full-bodied and refined, with velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent, structured finish, offering exceptional aging potential. Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, slow-cooked lamb, game, and rich pasta dishes.

Drink now to 2049

'Speechless here. I thought the 2015 was already perfect but this is perfect, too. But in a different way. It is so structured and multidimensional. Full-bodied, powerful and intense with incredible tannin backbone and depth. The dark-berry, wet-earth, oyster-shell and mushroom flavors are phenomenal. 20% less production than 2015. Give it four or five years to come together. Try after 2025.'

100 pts - James Suckling

'I fussed over scoring this wine more than I'd like to admit—tasting through three samples under different conditions at various intervals and testing my impressions blind against wines in its peer group. Most importantly, I tasted this 2016 vintage against the 2015 vintage over and over again. I confess to a few nights of restless sleep as a result. Ultimately, my decision to award 100 points to the 2016 Solaia came on impulse and with the most natural sense of purpose. I had also given the 2015 vintage a perfect score, and intellectually, it seemed impossible not to pick a favorite among these two stunning expressions. I will also state, outright, that the wines are very different, principally because the 2015 vintage shows more overall opulence and sweetness that extends to the pronounced textural richness of the mouthfeel. The 2016 vintage, on the other hand, is more chiseled and sharp with mineral shadings of campfire ash and graphite at the rim of its dark fruit. The mouthfeel is more streamlined and tight at its core, suggesting that the wine will unfold and soften beautifully with time. I feel like 2015 is the Dolce & Gabbana of the situation and the 2016 is the Armani Privé. The personalities of the two wines are distinct, yet my admiration for each is identical.'

100 pts - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate