LCBO choice to make [moved from Ontario board]

[CocoTO]

Calling all sommeliers ... amateur and professional ...

I am purchasing a fine Italian wine for a couple soon to be married, for them to put down and enjoy on a future memorable occasion. Which would you pick ... ANTINORI SOLAIA 2007 or SASSICAIA 2008?

[haggisdragon]

2007 is the better year for a bottle that you intend to age.

[JennaBean]

But if you read the reviews many were underwhelmed considering the year.

[CocoTO]

Here's my conundrum ... from the reviews I've read, they both are highly rated

ANTINORI SOLAIA 2007 - Robert Parker gave it a 97, Wine Spectator 94

SASSICAIA 2008 - Robert Parker 96, Wine Spectator 94, James Suckling 97 (Suckling actually says it's the best young Sass is years)

... so from a ratings standpoint, they appear to be all in the same ballpark. Can you point me to the reviews you read JennaBean?

[estufarian]

Those ratings are statistically 'identical' - IGNORE THEM. Our blind tastings have CONSISTENTLY shown that Parker 'over-rates' some houses (compared to others in same region), whereas Wine Spectator overrates some vintages (that is if our independent blind tasters can be trusted (50-100 tasters depending on tasting). As you have different houses and different years, the ratings are not particularly useful in making a decision.
Base your choice on any preferences the couple might already have - but don't worry - both make excellent gifts!
And be aware that the Solaia (if that's your choice) is almost gone in Toronto - call the store ahead of time to make sure these are not 'phantom' bottles. The inventory system is REALLY screwed up right now - I've had 3 PREPAID orders fail to arrive fully in the last couple of months.

[franpelyk]

I need more generous friends like you! Imagine having to choose between these two amazing wines to give as a gift! You cannot go wrong with either, but I've never had a bad "sass"!!!