1993 Ornellaia
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Tasting notes
Tertiary notes on full display, with edges of truffle, mushroom, tar, soot, rust. A little less vibrant than the others in the lineup, this is fully in its drinking window, although no huge rush to drink, as the black fruits are still giving pleasure, and rosemary spice adds depth. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend in these early vintages, with winemaker Andrea Giovannini. The 1993 vintage saw an abnormally hot Spring follwed by high summer temperatures, with harvest from September 5 to October 6. Malolactic fermentation and ageing in 33% new oak barrels for 16 months, then 14 months in bottle before release.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1993 Ornellaia (magnum) is just plain beautiful. Plums, tobacco, spice box, cedar and spices come together with notable elegance. The wine possesses exceptional purity in a soft, approachable style. The 1993 is one of the best Ornellaias for current drinking. It is a wonderful effort. In 1993 Ornellaia relies heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) in the blend, while the remaining 17% is Merlot. The wine spent 16 months in French oak, 33% new.
Looks much more mature than the 1990 – mature rim and ruby middle. Some gamey animal notes. Very sweet start and charming though not one of the most intense. Tannins suggest this is very much a wine for food. This has a definite Italian twist on a Napa base. 13% CS:M:CF 78:17:5 161,000 bottles (JR)
Medium red. Slightly high-toned aromas of flowers and cedar, with a faint greenness and a whiff of varnish. Then supple and fairly lush in the mid-palate, with a chocolatey note and good sappy acidity. A rather one-dimensional Ornellaia, finishing with toothdusting, slightly drying tannins.
About the producer
Based in the foothills of Bolgheri, Ornellaia is one of the original Super Tuscans, making some of Italy’s finest Cabernet blends. Created by Lodovico Antinori, today the estate is owned by the Frescobaldi family, which also owns sibling property Masseto.