2006 Ornellaia
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Tasting Notes
Deep crimson. The funny thing is that this wine smells first and foremost Tuscan rather than like the Bordeaux blend that it is. A good thing! Very savoury with real tang and I could swear there was some Sangiovese in here. Zings with life but there is no obvious sweetness at all (cf its stablemate Masseto). Great, glamorous life and concentration. The alcohol is very well hidden. Tannins are clearly there but are all but completely hidden by the ripe but savoury fruit. The overall balance is definitely helped by the defiantly high acidity. Delicious young wine that should age beautifully. Dec 09, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink 2009-2025
Critic Scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Ornellaia flows from the glass in a profound expression of ripe, dark fruit. With time in the glass layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak emerge, adding further complexity. This harmonious Ornellaia combines the richness of the vintage with superb freshness and awesome balance. Today the wine’s sheer density almost manages to hide the tannins, but they are there, and the wine will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar. The 2006 Ornellaia is one of the highlights of this sensational Tuscan vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Aug 2009, www.robertparker.com
This is a sensational Ornellaia displaying beautiful blackberry, dark-chocolate, light vanilla and walnut character. It's full-bodied, very refined and silky with a long and caressing finish. Just starting to open now. Very classy wine. Nov 16, www.jamessuckling.com
Dark in color, showing loads of dark fruits on the nose, as well as licorice and berries and hints of mint and cedar. Full-bodied, with refined yet chewy tannins and a ripe berry, coffee and chocolate aftertaste. New wood barrels shine through. But it will all come together with bottle age. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best after 2012. 12,080 cases made. Oct 09, www.winespectator.com
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.