2009 Solaia
By Antinori
The 2009 Solaia from Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
Dipping into the treasure chest of Tuscan viticulture, it gives me immense pleasure to bring to your attention the meritorious 2009 Solaia from the renowned Italian wine dynasty Antinori. A stark contrast to the edgy temerity of the 2008 vintage, the 2009 rendition propounds a hedonistic appeal akin to the finest wines from Italy.
An offering as opulent as it gets
This super Tuscan reveals a mélange of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese varietals that give it its vivid personality. The superb climatic conditions of 2009 did amplify the resolution of this stupendous wine. It is this very year that birthed a Solaia brimming with individuality - oozing distinctly more pronounced intensity and richness as compared to other commendable years.
Swirl it in your glass and reveal its opaque purple hue twinned with scents of smoked meats, sweet dark truffle, blackcurrant, charcoal, lavender, and graphite invading your olfactory senses. It is a magical interplay of nuances apt for an unparalleled sommelier journey.
Blend, body and an investment worth your bottle
The growing season was textbook perfect that year: climatic conditions threw just enough curve-balls to produce a bouquet that’s ripe yet not overwhelmingly extracted or jammy; a wine punchy enough for instant gratification but also holds an enviable ageing potential. A testament to Antinori's winemaking prowess.
The 2009 Solaia has metamorphosed into an elegant investment opportunity for fine wine collectors and investors alike. Replete with an impeccable balance of acidity, tannins, and fruit, the unique characteristics of this vintage make it a highly attractive asset for any portfolio.
If you are looking to invest in fine wines from Italy, especially from Tuscany, the 2009 Solaia from Antinori is indeed a proposition worth considering. It epitomizes the venerated melding of tradition and innovation, resulting in a fine wine that defines the essence of its terroir whilst portraying the unique charm of its exceptional vintage.
Current market price
£3,010.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
188.13
Scores and tasting notes
The 2009 Solaia is one of the clear standouts of the vintage. Freshly cut flowers, raspberries, spices, mint and licorice burst from the glass as this fabulous, viscerally thrilling wine shows off its pure class. Today the oak is a bit prominent, but that won’t be an issue by the time the wine is ready to drink. In one of my blind tastings, the 2009 Solaia was flat-out great. There is no shortage of pedigree here. The 2009 has calmed down a little from its youth, when it was a much more exuberant wine, and has now begun to close down in bottle. Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc from a single parcel within the Antinori family’s Tignanello vineyard. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. Longtime winemaker Renzo Cotarella has done a fabulous job with the flagships Tignanello and Solaia in 2009. In my blind tastings the pedigree of those two wines in particular came through with notable eloquence. The 2010 Tignanello and Solaia are both thrilling at this stage. They could very well turn out even better than the 2009s. Readers may want to look at my short video on the 2010s from Antinori on our website. Importer: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA; tel. (425) 415-3738
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2012