2020 Argiano Solengo Toscana IGT Jeroboam 3L, Tuscany

Extremely captivating, breathtaking at first sight giving notes of black prunes, blackberries, coriander, nutmeg and cumin. Really spicy but solid with concentrated fruit showing a lot of muscle which covers the elegance in a balanced manner. Full bodied, very fine grained tannins which border on silkiness and a persuasive finale, balsamic and essential which closes in a fulfilling manner without showing any heaviness. One of the best Solengo wines ever. Argiano has reached impressive levels of quality. Better from 2025.

98 points Raffaele Vecchione Wines Critic

Profound nose here with chili chocolate and sandalwood beneath the sweet blackberry background. A hint of violets, too. An opulent and densely packed palate with full body and concentrated blackberries. Very tight tannins rendered in a fine-grained and almost seamless way, with a lingering finish. Drinkable now if decanted, but better after 2025.

96 points James Suckling

Long before the recent renaissance of Argiano, Solengo had already established itself as one of Tuscany's most celebrated modern reds. First produced in 1995, it was conceived by the late Giacomo Tachis, the legendary consultant whose work helped shape some of Italy's most famous wines. Today, the historic Montalcino estate continues to produce Solengo with the same ambition, combining international grape varieties with the warmth and distinctive character of its Tuscan vineyards. It remains a compelling alternative to the estate's traditional Sangiovese based Brunellos.

The 2020 Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese, grown on Argiano's sun drenched slopes in southwestern Montalcino. The warm growing season produced beautifully ripe fruit, while careful vineyard management helped preserve freshness and balance. Maturation in French oak contributes structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, Merlot adds generosity, Petit Verdot contributes colour and spice, while Sangiovese lends a distinctly Tuscan savoury character.

Deep ruby purple with a dark, youthful core. Blackcurrant, ripe blackberry and dark plum lead the aromas, followed by violet, liquorice, graphite and a touch of tobacco. Notes of cedar, dark chocolate and Mediterranean scrub emerge with air. The palate is rich and concentrated, with plush dark fruit framed by firm, finely grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively despite its considerable depth, while black olive, dried rosemary and savoury spice develop through the middle. The finish is long, powerful and polished, with lingering cassis, dark chocolate and mineral detail.

Porcini mushroom pappardelle, roasted eggplant with lentils and aged Pecorino or a rich mushroom and truffle risotto would all complement its generous character. For meat lovers, slow cooked beef cheeks, rosemary roasted lamb or a beautifully grilled steak would be equally convincing. Decant for an hour or two if opening young, or give it several more years to develop its more complex savoury qualities.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040. Already appealing with aeration, although its concentration and tannin structure suggest another decade or more of rewarding development