2019 Ornellaia
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Tasting Notes
The latest release from Ornellaia is an astounding wine – the third in a trilogy of good vintages at the estate. There’s a little more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend in 2019 (62%), something that shines through in the wine, complemented by 31% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of assam tea, toast, incense, vanilla bean and liquorice root mingle with incredibly pure, dark blackcurrant fruit. The wine shifts to offer further complexity with every swirl of the glass. While enticing now, the 2019 reveals its true potential on the palate – with a structure that tells of its potential. There’s mouth-watering acidity that washes over ribbons of silken yet crunchy dark fruit. There’s immense concentration here, with a corduroy grip of tannins that dominates the finish, before the acidity returns and savoury, smoky notes linger long after the wine is gone.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
This is a beautiful expression of coastal Tuscany and the sunny Mediterranean. The Ornellaia 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia (a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot) pours from the bottle with a specific darkness that has elements of both inky saturation and ruby highlights. The wine is saturated and rich—this is something you notice off the bat—but it also reveals a pleasing lightness or grace that is transmitted to both the bouquet and the palate. Dark fruit, pressed blackberry and plum mingle with more substantial aromas of spice, leather and sweetly cured tobacco. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine sports considerable heft and density on the palate that drives a very long and pleasurable mouthfeel.
The aromas of blackcurrants, fresh basil and thyme, as well as cedar and sandalwood are so attractive. It’s full-bodied and very linear with tight tannins that draw you down the length of this young wine. Wet-earth and cool-stone undertones. It’s solid and so structured. A classic Ornellaia for the cellar. Try after 2027.
The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence.
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.