2011 Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia comes across as tight and shut down today. There is plenty of depth in the glass, but less of the appeal I saw just a few months ago. The high tannins of the vintage and the relatively large amount of Petit Verdot (14%) are both very marked at this stage in the wine's life. Readers holding the 2011 are best off cellaring their bottles for at least another 1-2 years. The 2011 Le Serre Nuove is a powerhouse.
Critic scores
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Generous oak with a strong sawdust aroma and plenty of spice too. Powerful, bold, well-balanced structure. Attractive black fruit, though the wood takes prominence. Dry, savoury, modern. I’d prefer less reliance on oak. (RH)
The 2011 Le Serre Nuove is striking for its beauty and symmetry. Some vintages of Le Serre Nuove are open and radiant, others are more structured. The 2011 seems to bring together elements of both in a wine of superb pedigree and pure class. Mocha, dark raspberries, tobacco and grilled herbs all flesh out on the inviting, vivid finish. Today, the 2011 is absolutely singing and points to a spectacular vintage at Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. This is impressive juice. In 2011 the blend is 57% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 12% Cabernet Franc. The relatively high amounts of both Petit Verdot and Franc are very much felt.
A gorgeous wine, the 2011 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuovo dell-Ornellaia (57% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot and 12% Cabernet Franc) opens with an inky dark, almost impenetrable appearance and beautifully chiseled - but abundantly intense - aromas of blackberry, dried cherry, rum cake, leather, moist pipe tobacco and chewy black licorice. The balance and harmony are seductive and impressive and the wine lasts many long seconds on the palate. Noticeable tannic backbone gives us hope in its cellar potential. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. This year Ornellaia celebrates the 25th anniversary of its flagship wine, the eponymous Ornellaia (1988-2013). General Director Leonardo Raspini and his team decide to celebrate with a commemorative edition of the wine packaged in an etched bottle with gold lettering. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners; www.foliowine.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.