The Antinori family has been involved in the production of wine since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the “Arte Fiorentina”, the Winemakers’ Guild of the city of Florence. During this entire long period, through twenty six generations, the family has always directly managed this work with courageous and, at times, innovative decisions. But always while maintaining a fundamental respect for tradition and for the territory in which they have operated.

Estates currently under the Marchesi Antinori wine empire include Tignanello, Badia a Passignano, Guado Al Tasso, Castello della Sala, Pian Delle Vigne, Peppoli, and Montenisa. While the core of the family's properties and production are focused in Tuscany, additional properties have expanded their regional diversity to include Orvieto Classico and Franciacorta.

The Tenuta Tignanello estate is located between the Greve and Pesa river valleys in the heart of the Chianti Classico appellation. In these 127 hectares (320 acres) of vineyards, the Antinori family, more than anywhere else, has expressed its principles and working philosophy: reconcile tradition and modernity with wines which are strictly and authentically tied to their territories of origin. Solaia and Tignanello, the two iconic wines of the estate, have been defined by the international press as “among the most influential wines in the viticultural history of Italy” and are a constant symbol for the Antinori family of a continuous challenge, one driven by pure passion.

The Guado al Tasso estate is located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the southwest of the city of Florence, near the medieval hamlet of Bolgheri in the Upper Maremma. Once part of a fiefdom of some 4,048 hectares (over 10,000 acres), today the 1000 hectare/2500 acre property extends from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the inland hills, where the vineyards are cultivated on rocky and slightly calcareous soils. Of these, 300 are under vines which are planted to Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot along with small quantities of other grape varieties. In the 1930’s this property was inherited by Carlotta Della Gherardesca who married into the Antinori family.

Today the firm is run by Marquis Piero Antinori with the support of his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia. Tradition, passion, and intuition have been the three driving principles which have led the Marquis Antinori firm to become a leader in Italian wine.

Solaia is a 50 acre (20 hectare), southwest-exposed vineyard of the Tignanello estate situated between 1150 and 1320 feet (350-400 meters) above sea level on stony soils consisting of calcareous clays and limestone rock. The Marchesi Antinori produced this wine for the first time in the 1978 vintage with a blend consisting of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, repeating the initial production in 1979. In the following vintages, 20% Sangiovese became part of the blend and adjustments to the ratio of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were made until the current composition of the blend was defined. Solaia is produced only in top vintages and was not produced in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, or 1992.

The 2005 Antinori Solaia IGT is truly a gem among Italian red wines. With its deep, rich color and elegant label, it is a wine that immediately captures the attention of any wine aficionado. This particular vintage hails from Tuscany, Italy, a region known for producing some of the finest wines in the world.

Upon pouring a glass of the 2005 Solaia, one is immediately greeted by an enticing aroma of ripe blueberries and blackberries. These luscious fruit notes are perfectly complemented by the delicate scent of sweet toasted oak, creating a symphony of fragrances that dances across the senses.

On the palate, this wine truly shines. The 2005 Solaia is a full-bodied red that boasts a complex and wonderfully structured profile. It is smooth and velvety, gliding effortlessly over the tongue and leaving a lasting impression. The tannins are superfine, adding a touch of elegance to the wine's overall character.

The finish of the 2005 Solaia is long and beautiful, a testament to its exceptional quality. It lingers on the palate, allowing the flavors to fully develop and evolve over time. This wine is a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Antinori winery.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2005 Solaia an impressive score of 93. In his tasting note, he praised its freshness and the essence of super-ripe berries, as well as its attractive inner perfume. While it may not quite match the very finest versions, it is still a remarkable effort in a tricky vintage. Parker suggests that this wine will reach its peak maturity between 2012 and 2023.

Wine Spectator, another esteemed publication, awarded the 2005 Solaia an even higher score of 97. They described it as offering gorgeous aromas of blackberry, mineral, and flowers. They also noted its complex and wonderfully structured profile, as well as its long, long finish. Wine Spectator suggests that this wine will be at its best after 2012.

With only 3,000 cases made, the 2005 Antinori Solaia IGT is a rare find that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. It is a wine that embodies the essence of Tuscany, capturing the beauty and complexity of the region in every sip. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a decadent meal, this wine is sure to leave a lasting impression.