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Tasting notes
Pretty cold, wet start so there was a late flowering. Very hot July, cooler August with regular rains. September and October enjoyed an Indian summer for the quite-late harvest. Sangiovese was picked from the beginning of October, the Cabernets in mid October. Short harvest, just two weeks whereas it’s generally up to 24 days. This was the last year they did malo in new oak. Since then, malo is done in old oak which makes the wine more approachable, the fruit purer and less tannic. This was also the last vintage with the blend done just after malo. Now they wait a bit longer. Rich and concentrated with a hint of sweet oak on the nose. Sweet palate and a bit of heat on the end. Just a little scrawny on the finish. Quite grippy still but it became gentler in the glass. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
This fourth flight brings us into what I consider a real Golden Era for Solaia that started with the 2004. A young, potent wine, the 2006 Solaia out of magnum still needs quite a bit of time. Even so, its towering stature is evident. A rush of blackberry jam, grilled herbs, espresso, licorice and spice builds as the 2006 shows off its explosive energy and drive.
A clarity and brilliance to this Solaia now with plums, light chocolate and meat. Full body and round and soft tannins. Juicy and delicious. Just right now where it shows the fruit and light tertiary qualities on the nose and palate. Excellent.
Inserted blind between the 2005 Margaux and Mouton, Antinori's 2006 Solaia performed admirably well, especially considering these were not the best bottles of the 2006 I have come across. In that context, the fact that the 2006 Solaia held up well in this flight is notable. I chose the 2006, because 2005 was not as strong in Tuscany as it was in Bordeaux, so the wine would have been at a distinct disadvantage in this setting.
About the producer
Marchesi Antinori is a leading Italian producer, historically based in Tuscany, who rose to fame after creating Tignanello – one of the first Super Tuscans . Combining tradition and innovation to craft fine wine, the family-owned firm has been a force in the Italian wine industry for over 600 years.