Antinori, Solaia, 2019

Solaia is one of Italy's most prestigious wines, hailing from the esteemed Antinori family. It's a high-end, "Super Tuscan" wine, a term used to describe red wines from Tuscany that may include non-indigenous grapes, particularly those from Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

Solaia is produced in the Antinori family's Tignanello Estate, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. The name "Solaia" translates to "the sunny one," a reference to the sunlit vineyards from which the grapes are sourced.

Solaia is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with percentages of Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc to round out the blend. The exact proportions can vary from year to year, but the wine usually consists of about 75% Cabernet Sauvignon.

This iconic wine is known for its intense, complex bouquet and balanced structure. It typically displays notes of dark fruit such as blackberry and currant, layered with more complex notes of tobacco, spice, and earth, depending on the vintage and the length of aging.

Solaia is a wine of great depth and longevity. It's aged in French oak barriques for about 14 to 18 months, followed by a year of bottle aging before it's released. This process helps the wine to develop further complexity and allows it to age beautifully for many years.

Collectors and wine enthusiasts purchase Solaia, not only for its quality but also for its consistency from vintage to vintage. Despite the high price tag, it is regarded as a solid investment, with older vintages often appreciating in value over time.