Antinori Solaia 2003

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Solaia, which means the 'sunny one' in Italian, is a 10 hectares (25 acres) southwest-facing vineyard planted 351-396 metres (1,150-1,300 feet) above sea-level on stony calcareous soil of marl and friable albarese rock. It is located at Santa Cristina, contiguous to the Tignanello vineyard, which is on the same property, in the Mercatale Val di Pesa zone of Chianti Classico. Antinori first produced a single-vineyard wine from these vines with the 1978 vintage (which was a limited release only in Italy); the initial blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, which was repeated in 1979. During following vintages, 20% Sangiovese was introduced and small adjustments were made (according to vintage) to the proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc used, to arrive at today's blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 20% Sangiovese.

Black pepper, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, plums and bottled fruit aromas follow each other continually in Solaia 2003. The wine is strikingly elegant with nicely blended tannins supporting the sensation of sweetness and weight. The tasting does not reveal harshness, and the balance shows distinctive sweetness from the riper grapes. Hints of liquorice and coffee return in the impressively long finish.

Reviews:
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"Fantastic aromas of crushed blackberry, licorice and strawberry. Full-bodied, with rich, velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. Fruit-forward and exciting. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2008. 5,830 cases made. –JS" -Rated 95, Wine Spectator
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"The 2003 Solaia (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc) reveals the essence of blackberry jam, licorice, cassis, tar and minerals in a super-ripe, heady expression of the vintage. Richly sumptuous on the palate, this beautiful, expansive Solaia offers terrific length as well as stunning balance with plenty of style. It is sure to deliver much gratification over the next decade or so. " -Rated 93, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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"Despite the heat, this vintage lives up to the Solaia reputation with a slightly more ripe rendition. Toasted and oak spice aromas hit the nose first followed by strawberry and blackberry preserves. The elegance is not lost and the wine performs nicely in the mouth with chewy succulence, dusty tannins and a long finish. — M.L. (9/1/2006)" -Rated 92, Wine Enthusiast

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