Solaia, which means the ‘sunny one' in Italian, is a 25-acre south-west facing vineyard that is contiguous to the Tignanello Vineyard in Chianti Classico. Solaia is produced only in exceptional years. It was not produced in the 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1992 vintages. Intense ruby red in color with aromas of ripe fruit, spices, black pepper, chocolate, coffee and vanilla.

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc.

The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging. 97+