The 2009 Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a gorgeous, fleshy wine that shows the radiant personality of the vintage. Mocha, espresso, raspberry jam and spices are some of the aromas and flavors that flow from this pliant, accessible red. This is all silk and polish. Stylistically, the 2009 is close to the 2007 for its early approachability but appears to have less overall stuffing. It is a gorgeous, rewarding wine to drink now and over the next 8-10 years. Vintage 2009 was a strange year. A dry hot summer led to an early harvest for Merlot, which is typically precocious, but rain in mid-September slowed down the maturation cycle for later-ripening grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2009 the blend is 54% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The 2009 Serre Nuove spent about 15 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.

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Though dark and extracted, this is more fluid than dense, displaying black cherry, blackberry, clove and allspice flavors. Still a bit rigid on the finish, but should stretch out in a year or so. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio