MARCHESI ANTINORI Solaia - Toscana IGT 2022 Bottle

Description

The sunniest part of the Tignanello's hillside is home to the Solaia vineyard. The very best grapes from the very best vineyard. All the rest is passion, the utmost care and research. These are the secrets of Solaia together with the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes from its namesake vineyard.

Background

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is in the heart of Chianti Classico, in the gently rolling hillsides between the Greve and Pesa river valleys. It extends over an area of 319 hectares (788 acres), of which 165 (407 acres) are dedicated to vines.

Two of the estate’s prized vineyards are on the same hillside, Tignanello and Solaia, on soils that originated from marine marlstone from the Pliocene period rich in limestone and schist. The vines enjoy hot temperatures during the day and cooler evenings throughout the growing season.

The estate’s two signature wines, Solaia and Tignanello, are produced from these vineyards and have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the history of Italian viticulture”. According to Marchesi Antinori, Solaia and Tignanello are an ongoing challenge and a never-ending passion.

Critics Scores

DECANTER 98 points/100
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2047
The drought and heat of 2022 pushed vines in Tuscany to their limits, and the outcome in many cases are wines of density and concentration but with a vein of freshness – and that's exactly what we see here in the 2022 Solaia. It opens with cool aromas of damp earth, woodland berries, red fruit coulis and a waft of balsamic herbs. In the mouth it is immediately very fleshy, almost voluptuous but holding its shape. Balsam-infused black cherry and dark berries are deepened by chocolatey wood, while succulent acidity brings out the top end and leads to a long, bright, energetic and fresh finish which is full of promise for the future.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points/100
More elegant than powerful and more approachable than usual, with stunning concentration and complexity. Aromas of subtle cassis, toast, herbs and a refreshing balsamic touch. Firm on the palate, with a full body, velvety texture and moderate acidity but not at the expense of its great balance. Sleek, polished aftertaste with sweet tobacco flavors. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

DECANTER 98 points/100
Tasted by: James Button (at Bordeaux, 08 Jul 2025)
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2047
The drought and heat of 2022 pushed vines in Tuscany to their limits, and the outcome in many cases are wines of density and concentration but with a vein of freshness – and that's exactly what we see here in the 2022 Solaia. It opens with cool aromas of damp earth, woodland berries, red fruit coulis and a waft of balsamic herbs. In the mouth it is immediately very fleshy, almost voluptuous but holding its shape. Balsam-infused black cherry and dark berries are deepened by chocolatey wood, while succulent acidity brings out the top end and leads to a long, bright, energetic and fresh finish which is full of promise for the future.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points/100
Drink Date: 2026 - 2045
This is a classy and very elegant expression. The Marchesi Antinori 2022 Solaia is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The tannins are beautiful in this wine, very well managed with silky and chalky results. The wine unfolds beautifully over the palate, offering generous richness and seamless fruit flavors that range from blackberry to tart plum. There is never a formula for making this wine, but the best vintages of Solaia show that seamless quality that is a hallmark. You get that here in what is perhaps more accessible packaging. Some 20% of production is sold on the Place de Bordeaux.