Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Chianti Classico
Variety: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Solaia comes from its namesake 20-hectare vineyard at Antinori’s Tenuta Tignanello, positioned between 350 and 400 metres above sea level. Its south-western exposure and stony alberese limestone and galestro clay-schist soils give Cabernet uncommon fragrance and drive, while Sangiovese contributes the acidity and savoury definition that anchor the wine firmly in Tuscany.
The 2023 growing season began with a moderately cold, dry winter, followed by a cool and rainy spring. Summer was warm and dry without damaging heat spikes, while moderate August rainfall supported a long, even ripening period. Harvest began with Sangiovese in early October and concluded with Cabernet Sauvignon on 13 October.
The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. Each parcel was fermented separately, with malolactic fermentation completed in French oak before approximately 15 months of maturation. Blackberry, blueberry, cassis, plum and fig are layered with graphite, pepper, liquorice, menthol, cocoa and coffee. Silky tannins and bright Tuscan acidity provide definition beneath the wine’s considerable richness.
Pre-arrival offer: This wine has been secured through La Place de Bordeaux, with delivery expected in May–June 2027. Pricing will increase once the wine arrives in Australia. All La Place wines offered by Cellared Fine Wine are from confirmed allocations and have already been paid for in full. If this wine is marked sold out, please contact us to enquire about additional allocation availability.
Cellared Says
Solaia’s magic lies in making Cabernet feel unmistakably Italian. The 2023 has the dark fruit and polish expected of a modern icon, but its savoury herbs, limestone grip and Sangiovese-led energy prevent it from becoming merely opulent. It is already beautifully composed, though patience will bring greater aromatic complexity. Drink from 2028 through 2048.
Reviews
Solaia sings in 2023. It's supremely vertical with already-integrated sandy tannins, its tall frame adorned with crunchy, sapid forest berries, chocolate, menthol, iodine and floral top notes. Generous and finessed, it's drinking surprisingly well at this early stage and will continue to prosper for the next two decades at least.
98 points — James Button, Decanter
The 2023 Solaia offers up hints of blackberry, gravel, incense, dried herbs, mocha, tobacco, espresso and sweet French oak. There's a bit of youthful firmness in the tannin that needs time to soften, but that should not be an issue for long. Cabernet Sauvignon speaks with tremendous eloquence as hints of grilled herbs, tobacco, incense, leather and gravel stain the incisive finish. There's a lot of wine here.
97 points — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Chianti Classico
Variety: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Solaia comes from its namesake 20-hectare vineyard at Antinori’s Tenuta Tignanello, positioned between 350 and 400 metres above sea level. Its south-western exposure and stony alberese limestone and galestro clay-schist soils give Cabernet uncommon fragrance and drive, while Sangiovese contributes the acidity and savoury definition that anchor the wine firmly in Tuscany.
The 2023 growing season began with a moderately cold, dry winter, followed by a cool and rainy spring. Summer was warm and dry without damaging heat spikes, while moderate August rainfall supported a long, even ripening period. Harvest began with Sangiovese in early October and concluded with Cabernet Sauvignon on 13 October.
The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. Each parcel was fermented separately, with malolactic fermentation completed in French oak before approximately 15 months of maturation. Blackberry, blueberry, cassis, plum and fig are layered with graphite, pepper, liquorice, menthol, cocoa and coffee. Silky tannins and bright Tuscan acidity provide definition beneath the wine’s considerable richness.
Pre-arrival offer: This wine has been secured through La Place de Bordeaux, with delivery expected in May–June 2027. Pricing will increase once the wine arrives in Australia. All La Place wines offered by Cellared Fine Wine are from confirmed allocations and have already been paid for in full. If this wine is marked sold out, please contact us to enquire about additional allocation availability.
Cellared Says
Solaia’s magic lies in making Cabernet feel unmistakably Italian. The 2023 has the dark fruit and polish expected of a modern icon, but its savoury herbs, limestone grip and Sangiovese-led energy prevent it from becoming merely opulent. It is already beautifully composed, though patience will bring greater aromatic complexity. Drink from 2028 through 2048.
Reviews
Solaia sings in 2023. It's supremely vertical with already-integrated sandy tannins, its tall frame adorned with crunchy, sapid forest berries, chocolate, menthol, iodine and floral top notes. Generous and finessed, it's drinking surprisingly well at this early stage and will continue to prosper for the next two decades at least.
98 points — James Button, Decanter
The 2023 Solaia offers up hints of blackberry, gravel, incense, dried herbs, mocha, tobacco, espresso and sweet French oak. There's a bit of youthful firmness in the tannin that needs time to soften, but that should not be an issue for long. Cabernet Sauvignon speaks with tremendous eloquence as hints of grilled herbs, tobacco, incense, leather and gravel stain the incisive finish. There's a lot of wine here.
97 points — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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