A highly rated 2001 Italian that's ready to drink? Heck yea!

Very dark ruby color. The nose is very smooth, barely any alcohol. It's a little subdued but shows very dark fruit and an earthy component. The palate is very smooth... at 13.5% alcohol, and mild acidity, this wine almost seems to lack some structure but is so nice to chug down! Dark cherry, blueberry, chocolate, with terrior that really comes through as well. Great complexity in this wine with a perfect amount of vanilla oak. At least, I think it's vanilla oak... not sure how this was barreled. So basically, this wine is wonderful even though it has lower acidity than I'd say this wine needs. Tannins are also mild and super smooth. Finish really brings out the terrior and the tar aftertaste seems a bit shorter than I'd like.

WS rated this 95.
Rev rates it: 94 I believe this could really go over the top if the acidity freshened it up just a little bit.

This is a drink now until 2008.

Ooooo Rev. Tell me more about this. Price? Still available? What region does this come from (and hence the grape varietal)?

many TIA.

I got this for $66, but cleaned him out. I saw it on winebid for $77 I think it was. Argiano had it's first vintage in '95 I believe, and has had some really good scores for their BdM as well.... but this is the only one I've had so far. I'll definitely seek this out again in the future.

Thanks Rev. I'll keep my eyes open for this now.

Bottle number two opened with the the Ny/Nj guys and gals... same results. Gorgeous wine, lots going on.. great structure and complexity... really love this wine. Held up very well next to Aussie/American fruit bombs.

<edit> spelling </edit>

This was awesome wine. Way too young as it only revealed a small (but bright) opening.

This wine will be a serious winner with years of bottle age. If I had some, I'd cellar it for 5+ before trying another.

Rev, this blew away the MP's and Parson's Flat (although I like that better than the MP's) on Sat night. Beautiful, sexy, plush, but still an elegant and well structured Italian wine. I wish I had some in my cellar. 93 pts from me.

jb

Nothing to + here. Solid bottle of wine. Would like to try it separately & on a clear head.

seems to be some disagreement on the aging ability of this. i have 3 bottles and was wondering what to write down as far as a drinking window. any input fellas?

Anthonyiez, it was indeed super drinkable young, but I think that time has passed. Last one I had was a little closed down. This does need time... it's got enough acidity to last and let the tannins mellow out and let this wine's complexity really come through I believe.

Hold at least two years. I didn't really think of a drinking window at the time though.

thanks big cat.

To add to the confusion - our bottle last night had medium acidity with soft tannins. It did not seem to be shut down although I've not tried this wine before last night so I can't really compare it.

I agree with JB on the sexy, plush descriptors for this wine. Two more years holding this wine will probably prove rewarding.

93 Winetex points

Decanted one hour; it opened up at about 45 minutes; Hold at least two years

thanks for info wine tex. i will update my cellar listing.

I'm just curious what kind of prices you guys are finding on the 01'. I've picked up the 99' and the 00' and wouldn't mind continuing the vertical but I'm hearing stories of big jumps in price. If so, how does it compare to previous years? The 99' I've had twice, the first time it was tight as a drum and unyielding. The second try it was outstanding with about 2 hours decant time.

Premier Cru has if for $60 + shipping. I picked up a couple earlier this year. I can add some to my existing order from them for you. It may take a long time to get it though. It takes them forever to get my orders placed. NH State store had the Solegno for alot more. They did have a good deal on the 1999 Banfi BdM for $36 however.

i think i paid something like $69.99. i never keep records of how much i spend, for obvious reasons.

It was ~ $80 in the SW market. I was too lazy to order it from the web.

FYI Francos in New Canaan CT has this for $62.99.

Francos
www.francoswine.com
203 966 9571

$66 for me... Retailers have gotten a couple rounds of this wine in NJ it seems. This is one of my favorites in terms of style. Thanks for the update Winetex.

• 2001 Argiano Solengo Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Toscana IGT (1/7/2006)
  
  Last night's bottle was very Bordeaux-like in character. It was drinking very well with great integration. It still had that velvety texture noted on previous tastings. I wish this didn't cost so much because it is a super wine. [~$75 on release; Decanted about one hour; Drinking well now but can hold short-term] (93 pts.)

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