Argiano Solengo

Romazini: 4/5 Stars

The Winespectator: 90/100 Points

Perfumes of blackberry and currant follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. A little tight now, but stylish. Needs time. Best after 2008. 2,540 cases made.

Robert Parker: 93/100 Points

Readers will find much to admire in these two new releases from Argiano, located in the southern part of the Montalcino zone. The 2004 Solengo presents gorgeous aromatics followed by super-ripe dark fruit, crushed flowers, herbs, spices and sweet toasted oak that flow from its opulent, full-bodied frame. Showing superb concentration, the wine is supported by an attractive note of underlying minerality that provides balance as well as a sense of proportion. It offers outstanding length, a silky-textured personality and ripe, sweet tannins on the finish in a rare display that marries power with elegance. It will be tempting to drink this early, but a few years of cellaring will give the wine an opportunity to express the fullest range of its potential. In 2004 Solengo is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 25% Syrah that spent 17 months in new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.

The Winemaker

This unique red wine is a rather newly expression of Argiano's winegrowing potential compared to its Sangiovese-based reds. 'Solengo', a Tuscan word meaning 'lone wild boar', marries Tuscan soil with French grapes: Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Solengo is produced from vineyards which are 12 to 18 years old. It is the result of a team effort between Adriano Bambagioni, Argiano's long'serving cellar-master and Hans Vinding-Diers, a master winemaker and blender with worldwide experience. While keen to retain Solengo's unique style the new team is also endowing Solengo with even greater levels of finesse, balance and depth. Hans made and blended his first vintage in 2004, while Solengo is a 'creation' of former renowned winemaker Dr Giacomo Tachis.

Falstaff: 94/100 Points

Jancis Robinson: 18.5/20 Points

Fresher than the 2001. Lovely elegance.

The Wine Enthusiast: 93/100 Points

Solengo, a blend of Cab Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, has seemingly infinite depth thanks to its finely-tuned aromas of red cherry, toasted nut, cinnamon, almond and modern, smoky hickory. Elegant, vibrant and buoyant in the mouth, drink this wine after 2012.