A poised and powerful rendition of this iconic Tuscan wine, the 2019 Solaia showcases the elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) lifted by the floral graphite tones of Cabernet Franc (10%) and the vibrant red-fruited energy of Sangiovese (15%). Dark berries, cocoa, sweet herbs, and charred spice unfold with brooding confidence on a plush, velvety frame. While its aromatics already radiate complexity, the palate remains coiled, promising greater expression with age. Crafted from the sun-washed, Galestro-rich slopes of the Tignanello estate and aged 18 months in French oak, this vintage reflects both terroir precision and stylistic refinement—an alluring dark horse waiting to peak.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 98
Published: Jul 4, 2022

This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 20% sangiovese. Try in 2025. 

The Wine Advocate | RP 97
Published: Jun 30, 2022
Drink: 2024-2050

The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading wine estate. The blend sees a slightly higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and a slightly lower percentage of Sangiovese. The current mix is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Franc (which has been creeping up in recent years, especially as the climate changes). The soils at the Solaia vineyard are rich in Galestro rock, which is an especially happy pairing with Cabernet Franc in particular. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella tells me that that a vintage like 2019 is proof that the final character of a wine comes from its surrounding territory, not from the blend. This is a generous and extremely expressive edition with lots of dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The tannins are beautifully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love.

Decanter | D 97
Published: Jul 5, 2022
Drink: 2025-2045

Wonderful raspberry and black cherry fragrance on the nose, ripe and sweet and expressive, aromas bursting from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this is giving a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and vibrant. A very serious wine, this is brooding and confident. It's showcasing lots of elements right now - ample, generous, hefty and stylish with flecks of red flowers, white pepper spice, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate. A dark horse at the moment waiting for its moment to fully shine. Individual lots were fermented in 60hl truncated cone-shaped vats, racked with malolactic fermentation beginning in barriques followed by ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels before blending and reput into barrels to complete the process.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: Sep 8, 2022
Drink: 2025-2035

The weather conditions meant a doubling of the percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend in 2019, and a decrease in the percentage of Sangiovese. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc.
Very polished, with dark fruit and fragrant red flowers. There is a real fragrance and note of graphite that may be a reflection of the increased Cabernet Franc. The wood is fairly prominent on the palate, slightly masking the fruit at this early stage and adding a granular structure on top of already powerful Cabernet tannins. Sweet fruit does reveal itself more on the finish, suggesting this is just in an awkward phase at the moment. 

Antinori.it

Climate
The 2019 growing season in Chianti Classico was defined by normal climatic conditions. Winter was rather cold with limited rainfall and the first half of spring was cool and rainy especially during the months of April and May. Summer weather was hot, uninterrupted by major heat spikes, with slightly higher than average precipitation levels ensuring a normal growth cycle of both the vines and grape clusters. Ideal climatic conditions set in at the end of August and continued throughout September and October allowing the three grape varieties grown in the Solaia vineyard to reach perfect ripeness. Harvesting activities began at the end of September, starting with Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese and were completed on October 14th with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Total Annual Rainfall: 1005.8 mm

Average Temperature April 1st – October 14th: 19.7 °C

Rainfall April 1st – October 16th: 452 mm

Tasting notes
Solaia 2019 is a deep ruby red color. Impressive on the nose for its aromatic complexity and finesse: notes of small red fruit, especially raspberries and mulberries, lead over to sweet sensations of ripe apricots and red oranges together with light floral hints of roses.  Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate and licorice are perfectly integrated and are accompanied by fresh impressions of mint and white pepper that give its generous bouquet a pleasant delicate spicy note.

The palate is enveloping, harmonious with an excellent and well-balanced structure. Plush, vibrant tannins contribute to its dense, captivating palate. The finish is exceptionally long and pleasurable with a persistent aftertaste that echoes toasted, and spicy notes perceived on the nose.