We’re stashing a few cases of the Port away for safekeeping. If you missed out, we’re happy to get you a bottle.

And now, we pivot to beautiful Tuscany, with another Wine Spies Exclusive!

This time a rockin’ Super Tuscan. 94 points, 25 bucks. A total no brainer.

Let’s geek out on this one!

Solus, with roots in Latin, translates to “alone” which we find very befitting. The Pianirossi property that Solus grows on sits alone amongst the rolling hills, isolated along the northeast limits of Grosseto Province overlooking the Maremma. On a clear day, you can smell the Mediterranean in the distance.

The big-name behind this little-gem is Carlo Ferrini, a name you’ll recall from massive Brunello we recently featured from his own Giodo and Talenti, the ‘Sassicaia of the North’ San Leonardo, Romitorio, Petrolo, Ricasoli, and Brancaia, another superstar of the Maremma, just to name a few of his projects. Jancis Robinson calls Ferrini “one of the most celebrated of the winemaking consultants that have been so vital to the Italian wine scene – possibly the most famous, as three times he has been awarded winemaker of the year.”

Vinous is a huge fan of these too, per Antonio Galloni’s highlight of Maremma’s Stellar 2015s “I have been consistently impressed with the 2015s from the Tuscan Coast. The finest 2015s are sumptuous and racy, but they are not at all overblown or flabby. These are wines born with extraordinary balance and harmony, with soft curves, fully ripe tannins, racy fruit and tons of sheer allure. Simply put 2015 is a tremendous vintage…”

And tremendous, this is.

On top of that, dollar for dollar it’s hard to beat. Not much comes from these parts that can be had for $25 with pedigree and points. Serious QPR dear Operatives, inside out…

Deep crimson with a near opaque center, and a gradient to a fire truck red rim. The nose offers up bold cherries red and black tossed in dusty earth, wild mushrooms, forest floor, and spice. Plum and a hint of tar accompany the dark berries on the palate impression, vibrant with a core of fine tannins throughout. Very long on the finish, and full-bodied thanks to Montepulciano and Alicante Bouchet in the blend, this hearty red calls for all-day slow cooking, be it roasted meats, game, or stews.

For specific pairing ideas, let’s quote what Wine Advocate prescribed for a previous vintage; “a dark and complete red… its crispness and linearity make it an elegant food wine that might be a nice choice for beef stroganoff or lamb chops.”

We brought in all we could, obviously not enough, pile up while it’s up.

94 Points – James Suckling

“Rich, ripe red with plum, dark-chocolate and walnut aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied with juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Tannic and rich. Needs time to open, because it is tight right now. Better after 2022.”