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. Drinking window: 2025-2047. Score - 98. (James Button, decanter.com, July 7, 2025)

I fussed over scoring this wine more than I'd like to admit-tasting through three samples under different conditions at various intervals and testing my impressions blind against wines in its peer group. Most importantly, I tasted this 2016 vintage against the 2015 vintage over and over again. I confess to a few nights of restless sleep as a result. Ultimately, my decision to award 100 points to the 2016 Solaia came on impulse and with the most natural sense of purpose. I had also given the 2015 vintage a perfect score, and intellectually, it seemed impossible not to pick a favorite among these two stunning expressions. I will also state, outright, that the wines are very different, principally because the 2015 vintage shows more overall opulence and sweetness that extends to the pronounced textural richness of the mouthfeel. The 2016 vintage, on the other hand, is more chiseled and sharp with mineral shadings of campfire ash and graphite at the rim of its dark fruit. The mouthfeel is more streamlined and tight at its core, suggesting that the wine will unfold and soften beautifully with time. I feel like 2015 is the Dolce & Gabbana of the situation and the 2016 is the Armani Privé. The personalities of the two wines are distinct, yet my admiration for each is identical. Drink date: 2022-2050. Score - 100. (Monica Larner, robertparker.com, Sept. 19, 2019)

I was blown away by the 2011 Matarocchio (100% Cabernet Franc). From 15-year-old vines planted some 60 meters above sea level on the Tuscan coast, this wine is absolutely stunning, delicious and simply unforgettable. Only produced in 2007, 2009 and 2011, this third edition shows towering aromas of sensuous dark fruit, leather and tobacco. If Cabernet Franc is the darling grape of this appellation, Matarocchio is a reason why. The mouthfeel is penetrating and powerful, but seamless and silky smooth at the same time. The tannin management is excellent. This is one to keep in the cellar. Drink date: 2016-2038. Score - 97. (Monica Larner, robertparker.com, Oct. 30, 2014)

I was blown away by the 2011 Matarocchio (100% Cabernet Franc). From 15-year-old vines planted some 60 meters above sea level on the Tuscan coast, this wine is absolutely stunning, delicious and simply unforgettable. Only produced in 2007, 2009 and 2011, this third edition shows towering aromas of sensuous dark fruit, leather and tobacco. If Cabernet Franc is the darling grape of this appellation, Matarocchio is a reason why. The mouthfeel is penetrating and powerful, but seamless and silky smooth at the same time. The tannin management is excellent. This is one to keep in the cellar. Drink date: 2016-2038. Score - 97. (Monica Larner, robertparker.com, Oct. 30, 2014)

Both the bud burst and flowering were early as compared with the preceding year. The summer season initially saw an important rise in temperature, which was then rebalanced during the second half of the month of August. The harvest took place during the final ten days of September, relatively early. A warm powerful vintage without the dryness of 2012 and with great potential. Matarocchio is crimson and super-restrained with straw, clove and oaky aromas on the nose, well balanced with fresh leather, fine herbal aromas, bramble fruit and savoury character in depth. It shows an austere palate; full, firm and chalky yet ripe, however it flows with the grace of the best Cabernet Franc. Drinking window: 2020-2045. Score - 97. (Aldo Fiordelli, decanter.com, June 11, 2020)

The 2007 Solaia (magnum) captures all the exotic richness of the year in its luscious, racy personality. Raspberry jam, spice and white chocolate give the 2007 its decidedly flamboyant feel. There is not much subtlety here, but the 2007 offers tons of immediacy in a flashy style that is hard to resist. It is one of the most enjoyable wines of the night. Drinking window: 2022-2042. Score - 97. (Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Sept. 22, 2020)