Solaia 2006, Antinori

SOLAIA 2006

Vintage 2005 - Vintage 2007 - Vintage 2009 - Vintage 2010

Classification

Toscana I.G.T.

Blend

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

Climate

After a particularly cold and wet autumn, followed by severe winter temperatures with persistent rain, the vines budded late compared to the average in preceding years. The spring was also wet, but without affecting the regular formation and growth of the bunches. The second half of July saw very high temperatures, but the weather changed again in August, with rain and below average temperatures. Excellent weather conditions in September and October, together with normal day and night temperature differences, allowed the grapes to ripen perfectly and the harvested crop was both abundant and of quality

Vinification

The weather conditions during the harvest ensured a very high quality crop. Particular attention was paid to grape selection in the vineyard, so that only perfect bunches arrived in the cellar. The harvest was completely by hand, picking by 1-hectare plots, according to the vigor of the vines. The Sangiovese grapes were picked in the first ten days of October, while the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested in the second half of the month. As always, great attention was paid to the fermenting and extraction processes, using délestage and overpumping to maintain the natural aromas of each grape variety and the intense color. Fermentation of all three grape varieties was carried out at an average of 27° and no higher than 31°, to best preserve the true aromas, flavors and varietal character of the fruit. The musts showed great complexity from the start, together with abundant varietal character, evident in the aromas, elegance and color, the first signs of a potentially great vintage. After alcoholic fermentation, the wines were racked into new oak barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation, which occurred by the end of the year. The wines were then blended and aged in barrel for 12 months, then racked off and, after a careful tasting of each barrel, the wine was bottled. The wine was released after a further year in bottle. Alcohol: 14% Vol

Tasting notes

Intense ruby red color and immediate classic, fruity aromas that are in perfect harmony with the vanilla and chocolate notes from the oak. Solaia 2006 is powerful on the palate, with a tannic texture, yet remaining smooth, with a very long finish, after time in the glass. Intense aftertaste of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit and a seemingly endless finish