Antinori   Solaia

2014 Solaia

By Antinori

The Resplendent 2014 Solaia from Antinori, Sub-Region Extravaganza

In the realm of Italian high artistry, the 2014 Solaia from Antinori resonates with elegance and a sense of grandeur. The pedigree of this world-famed Super Tuscan is beyond dispute, yet the fickle nuances of each vintage offer an intriguing complexity, making it a prime choice for fine wine investors seeking to diversify their portfolio with fine wines from Italy.

 

And the Rains Brought Grace

In 2014, Mother Nature opted for a cooler approach in Tuscany. Extended rainfall marked the summer months bringing distinct features to grapes, particularly in producing a wine that casts off flamboyant fruit-forwardness. Instead, it underscores refined tones of well-structured tannins and a subtle savoury character.

 

The Charming Idiosyncrasy of the Season

The 2014 Solaia reveals itself in a slow dance of flavors. Amidst a core of fortified blackcurrant and wild berries, hangs an elegant veil of smoky spices and slight traces of sweet vanilla. The finish lingers as the remnants of a compelling sonnet; mirroring the year's complexities and ultimately highlighting the winemaker’s deft finesse.

This vintage is less about potent power and showy fruit; it’s more about elegance and finesse, poised balance intertwined with fascinating subtleties. Therein lies the brilliant riddle for savvy oenophiles: those who relish in the restrained yet complex poetry whispered by this stellar Italian offering.

 

Sophistication Guarded Amidst Vines

Graceful in its complexity yet alluringly deceptive, observing the intricacies of the 2014 vintage prompts the realization: it serves as proof of Antinori's deft persistence amidst nature's trials. This noble expression from Antinori provides investors not just with a liquid asset, but an intriguing journey of discovery towards understanding the true delicacies of Italian oenology. As it stands, the 2014 Solaia captures the essence of seasons passed, and promises a resounding evolution in the years ahead.

Ultimately, each sip of the 2014 Solaia is an ode to the whispering terroir and climatic idiosyncrasy that sets Italian fine wines apart. It's a tribute to restraint, balance, and stunning complexity – undeniably, one of 2014's noblest characters.

Current market price

$3,840.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

154

Scores and tasting notes

95

The 2014 Solaia will be released during the second half of 2017. This is a fine-tuned expression that shows a focused sense of detail and careful attention. The quota of Cabernet Franc has been upped by a hair and this makes a big difference, especially in terms of the wine's bouquet. Otherwise, this celebrated Tuscan blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese. It opens to dark fruit aromas with crushed mineral, pipe tobacco, pressed flower and toasted spice. Its appearance is midnight black and profound. The wine delivers a sense of sheer excitement and nervousness that will subside with another few years of bottle age. Nonetheless, I think a certain amount of that bright edginess or rigidness will always be part of this cool vintage Solaia. In the mouth, the wine is firm, compact and dense. The tannins are chiseled to the point of sublime integration. Marchesi Antinori made 40% less Solaia in this vintage in order to maintain the quality you taste here.

Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate, 28 April 2017

Vintage performance