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. - James Suckling

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. - Georgina Hindle

(Toscana IGT Rosso; 80% Cabernet Sauvignon; 10% Sangiovese; 10% Cabernet Franc; the fruit is sourced from a vineyard, part of the Tenuta Tignanello estate, of around 20 hectares at between 350 and 400 metres of altitude with a south-western exposition on calcareous rocky soils rich in Alberese and Galestro; malolactic fermentation and aging in new French oak barrels for 15 months; 13.5% alcohol; tasted with Stefano Carpaneto and Francesco Visani over an internet link). From an initially very hot and dry vintage (with 2 months without rain). It was saved in a way by the final part of the ripening period with the return of much needed rainfall and a slower, cooler and wetter finish to the season. This is rich, spicy and rather classical with generous sweet spices accompanying the dark berry and stone fruits. There’s a pleasing delicate dried florality and additional freshness from the Cabernet France, bringing hints of patchouli and violet. I love the authentically Italian saline note to this too and an iron-tinged slightly bloody richness to the mid-palate that tells you instantly where this comes from and that we are not solely in the presence of Bordeaux varietals. A hint of balsam and eucalyptus too. The tannins are gorgeously tactile and dynamic – soft and spherical and diffic(more...)