Marchesi Antinori Solaia Toscana 1999 Vintage

Winemaker Notes Intensely fruity and complex with a good structure, well-balanced, with soft tannins and a lingering finish. Displays unmistakable varietal flavor while retaining strong regional character. Solaia, which means the sunny one in Italian, is a 10 hectares (25 acres) southwest-facing vineyard planted 351-396 metres (1,150-1,300 feet) above sea-level on stony calcareous soil of marl and friable albarese rock. It is located at Santa Cristina, contiguous to the Tignanello vineyard, which is on the same property, in the Mercatale Val di Pesa zone of Chianti Classico. Antinori first produced a single-vineyard wine from these vines with the 1978 vintage (which was a limited release only in Italy); the initial blend was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, which was repeated in 1979. During following vintages, 20% Sangiovese was introduced and small adjustments were made (according to vintage) to the proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc used, to arrive at todays blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 20% Sangiovese Critical Acclaim 94 points Wine Spectator Dark in color, with intense aromas of blackberries and fresh herbs, such as basil, with a hint of eucalyptus. Full-bodied, with extremely well-polished tannins and a long, long finish. A tight and racy young wine that needs time to come into its own. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Collectibles.