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Tasting notes
The 1997 Solaia is a wine that I remember made a huge splash on release (I recall buying dozens of cases from Switzerland to ship to Japan). It had been many years since I last tasted it. Poured from magnum, I find a little smudged on the nose compared directly with the 1988 Sassicaia. This is a voluptuous, heady bouquet with Maraschino cherries, pine, pressed iris flower and cassis, with cherry liqueur evolving in time. The palate follows in a similar character, sweet and a little confit in style, with melted tannins, kirsch, cassis fruit and a dash of allspice. It fans out nicely on the finish, though I find it just a little hedonistic for my liking. Others who prefer that kind of style will like it more than myself. There is something almost anachronistic about this Solaia that I did not discern in the 1988 Sassicaia.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1997 is a famous Solaia, and it is superb tonight. Opulent and rich in the glass, the 1997 (magnum) is also surprisingly tannic for a wine of its age. I admire its inner perfume and overall richness, but in this flight I have a slight preference for the 1994 and 1995.
Aged 14 months in new French oak. First Italian wine to be rated number one in the Wine Spectator Top 100, apparently. Deep garnet colour. Superb leather and aniseed character, such tremendous concentration. Not blockbusting though; there is nuance here. Mint, blackcurrant, freshly turned earth. The tannins have a fine clay texture, and support the fruit splendidly. Loads of primary fruit still in evidence. Outstanding. (RH)
For many years, the 1997 Solaia was super-concentrated. Actually, it still is pretty intense, but over the last few years, some of the baby fat has begun to melt away, revealing a wine with tons of nuance. The 1997 clearly belongs in this flight of milestones. This is another memorable Solaia with no signs of fading.
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.