This morning we are thrilled to release the stunning Solaia 2015. In this truly magnificent vintage, Solaia has produced not only their finest ever wine, yet perhaps one of the greatest in the history of Italian winemaking! It has been awarded a perfect 100 points from Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate, a wine she says is in ‘perfect alignment…Solaia is liquid sunshine not just in name but also in fact.’ James Suckling has also awarded it a perfect 100 points, saying ‘The nose to this Solaia is truly phenomenal with currants, blackberries, roses and violets. So perfumed. Full-bodied and everything is in check and harmony with polished tannins that last for minutes. Purity and focus. Is it the greatest Solaia ever?’
The perfect 100 points from the Wine Advocate is the first ever for Solaia, beating the 97+ scoring 2013 and the 97 scoring 2010. It is now one of five Super-Tuscan wines to have received 100 points from the Wine Advocate, the others trade at significant premiums per case of six: Masseto 2015 £2,400; Masseto 2006 £4,200; Le Pergole Torte 1990 £6,000 and Sassicaia 1985 £9,000. Solaia 2015 has now joined these legends and priced today at £945 per case of six, is one to buy. With only 6,600 cases made it has already sold out on the Place de Bordeaux! As can be seen from the table below, despite the price on release, Solaia 2015 has the lowest Price Over Points ratio (POP) of any other vintage!
| Solaia | WA | JS | AG | Price | POP |
| 2015 | 100 | 100 | n/a | £945 | 95 |
| 2014 | 95 | 95 | 94 | £800 | 107 |
| 2013 | 97+ | 97 | 94+ | £850 | 97 |
| 2012 | 95 | 97 | 94 | £825 | 110 |
| 2011 | 91 | 96 | 96 | £690 | 125 |
| 2010 | 97 | 95 | 98 | £860 | 101 |
| 2009 | 96+ | 96 | 96+ | £900 | 109 |
| 2008 | 93 | 96 | 92 | £975 | 150 |
| 2007 | 97 | 97 | 97 | £1,000 | 118 |
| 2006 | 94 | 95 | 94 | £1,075 | 154 |
Solaia’s distribution mimics that of Masseto, released earlier this month, the most prestigious wine of his brother, Ludovico Antinori. Solaia, Ornellaia and Sassicaia make up the holy trinity of Cabernet Sauvignon dominant Super Tuscan wines. Solaia produces far fewer bottles per year than Ornellaia and Sassicaia, who produce 12,000 cases and 15,000 cases respectively; signifcantly more than Solaia.
The Marchesi Antinori family are world famous for two wines; one is Tignanello, the other Solaia, which since 1978 has become Antinori’s and one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Solaia is normally the mirror reflection of Tignanello, made up of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Solaia translates loosely as ‘The Sunny One’, aptly named to reflect the glorious sunshine that showers the eponymously named ten-hectare vineyard; situated 350-400 metres above sea level, on wonderful terroir of calcareous rock (alberese). The site is adjacent to Tignanello in the Mercatale Val di Pesa zone (Greve) of Chianti Classico, further inland than Sassicaia and Ornellaia (coastal Bolgheri). In 2015, Solaia spent 18 months in entirely new French oak, with various lots fermented separately to maximise harmony.
Offered subject to availability.