The 2008 Solaia is classic Super Tuscan elegance with a bold Cabernet core—about 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out with Sangiovese and a touch of Cabernet Franc. It’s rich, smooth, and powerful, with ripe dark fruit, violets, and just the right touch of spice and earthiness. James Suckling loved it for its velvety texture and sweet tannins, while The Wine Advocate praised its depth and smoky complexity. This vintage is a bit softer and more inviting than 2007, and it’s in a great spot to enjoy now, or can hold a little longer if you prefer even more mellowed tannins. A refined, expressive bottle for fans of structured reds with personality.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 96
Published: Sep 11, 2011

Wonderful pure Cabernet character, with currants, spices, flowers and violets. Velvety and fresh. Long and intense. Less austere than 2007 with very sweet and ripe tannins. Such beauty. This is really powerful. Give it three to four years before trying a bottle. 

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Aug 31, 2011
Drink: 2014-2024

The 2008 Solaia is richer and darker than the Tignanello, but it isn?t an appreciably more complex or complete wine. It shows gorgeous depth and textural richness to match an expressive core of blackberry jam, smoke, scorched earth, crushed rocks and cassis. This is a beautiful wine, but not as great as I had hoped. The 2008 Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.