Tenuta dell'Ornellaia
Bolgheri Red Bordeaux Blend
Bolgheri, Livorno, Tuscany, Italy
Despite a nine year difference the color of the wines were very similar. There were no doubt that the wines were siblings, the DNA was very clear. On the nose, they were twins with the younger sibling demonstrating more intensity, but the exact same scents. It was on the palate where differences showed up. The fruit had a slightly darker profile along with cassis, cigar box and cedar. Slightly more tannins that did not impede a long finish which did not show any hint of alcohol. Very supportive acidity. There is no rush to drink.
Despite a nine year difference the color of the wines were very similar. There were no doubt that the wines were siblings, the DNA was very clear. On the nose, they were twins with the younger sibling demonstrating more intensity, but the exact same scents. It was on the palate where differences showed up. The fruit had a slightly darker profile along with cassis, cigar box and cedar. Slightly more tannins that did not impede a long finish which did not show any hint of alcohol. Very supportive acidity. There is no rush to drink.
Oct 1st, 2026Always great fun to do these types of comparisons. Both wines had pristine corks & perfect fills. Decanted for about 45 minutes. A very expressive nose of black cherries , plums , and tobacco. The nose carried over to the palate. Very round with lovely acid and soft tannins. My only nit was on the finish where a hint of alcohol sneaked in after about 90 mins.
Always great fun to do these types of comparisons. Both wines had pristine corks & perfect fills. Decanted for about 45 minutes. A very expressive nose of black cherries , plums , and tobacco. The nose carried over to the palate. Very round with lovely acid and soft tannins. My only nit was on the finish where a hint of alcohol sneaked in after about 90 mins.
Oct 1st, 2026
intense… plum, violet, tobacco. A touch syrupy with real clarity. Excellent
intense… plum, violet, tobacco. A touch syrupy with real clarity. Excellent
Jan 4th, 2026
Only had a taste but the reputation is undeniable. Giving and polished with no hard edges. Definitely robbing the cradle as the wine is dormant right now. I always confuse which wines from this region contain Sangiovese and this one does not. Wears the 14.5% abv. beautifully. Will enthrall with time but patience is suggested.
Only had a taste but the reputation is undeniable. Giving and polished with no hard edges. Definitely robbing the cradle as the wine is dormant right now. I always confuse which wines from this region contain Sangiovese and this one does not. Wears the 14.5% abv. beautifully. Will enthrall with time but patience is suggested.
Nov 23rd, 2024Still very primary. An inky nose with plum, violets, pencil lead, steely notes. On the palate quite intense with hints of mocha and a black cherry sweetness. Tanning are still quite strong and biting sappy on the finish
Still very primary. An inky nose with plum, violets, pencil lead, steely notes. On the palate quite intense with hints of mocha and a black cherry sweetness. Tanning are still quite strong and biting sappy on the finish
Sep 2nd, 2023
Popped decanted and poured. Dark scarlet color. Almost opaque. Notes of dark red fruit, some mocha and tobacco, some cassis and a nice spice. Great balance of fruit and structure. Tannins mostly resolved. Good finish. Seems to be in a good drinking window. Give it more air than we got.
Popped decanted and poured. Dark scarlet color. Almost opaque. Notes of dark red fruit, some mocha and tobacco, some cassis and a nice spice. Great balance of fruit and structure. Tannins mostly resolved. Good finish. Seems to be in a good drinking window. Give it more air than we got.
Mar 14th, 2022
A lot of wood, and extremely well made, heavy tannins and needs so much more time. Forza Italia baby.
A lot of wood, and extremely well made, heavy tannins and needs so much more time. Forza Italia baby.
Jun 11th, 2021
Just a baby. Gorgeous dried red fruits and a sharp pang of star anise. Grippy tannins. Long finish. 🤤
Just a baby. Gorgeous dried red fruits and a sharp pang of star anise. Grippy tannins. Long finish. 🤤
Apr 7th, 2021
Very precise, focused
Medium body on the palate, but very elegant and persistent
Bordeaux like lacking some weight I think
Very precise, focused
Medium body on the palate, but very elegant and persistent
Bordeaux like lacking some weight I think