2004 Argiano Solengo – Bottle Notes

The 2004 Argiano Solengo was the winning bottle in the July Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for two hours and served with steaks.

Argiano dates back to the 16th century. The nearly 120 acres of vineyards are planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The wines, both Brunello di Montalcino and Solengo, have routinely received outstanding scores. In 1992 Argiano was acquired by the Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano.

Solengo, which is Tuscan for “lone wild boar”, is the product of the combination between Tuscan soil and French grape-varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

Crimson in color. 14% ABV. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 25% Syrah. Stunning nose of dark fruits, leather and menthol. Medium to full bodied with tremendous acidity. Concentrated, powerful and well balanced. Blackberry, currants, cassis and eucalyptus on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon really shines here and the eucalyptus notes are unique and compelling. I’ll open my last bottle in 2024.

My rating: 95 points.

I brought several bottles of the ’99 vintage back from Italy after visiting the Cinque Terra in 2001 and the label will always have a special place in my cellar. Current vintages can be found for around $80 and are well worth the hunt.