One of the most compelling editions of a gold standard Italian red just arrived! The 2021 Ornellaia emphatically shows off the special qualities that brought Super-Tuscans to the world's attention decades ago, and put the Bolgheri area on the wine map. What makes this release one of the best yet is that it comes from the exceptional 2021 growing season that imbued the wine with that magical combination of generosity and liveliness, power and finesse!
From its inception, Ornellaia was to be a benchmark for Italian wine, taking inspiration from the great chateaux of Bordeaux. That's natural, since in Bolgheri the Bordeaux grape varieties shine brightest, showing an irresistibly delicious character that's distinct from other places that grown them; the 2021 Ornellaia has a typical "left bank" blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. Yet the wine can't help but pour forth in Tuscany's accent, its aromas and generous character evoking the softly rolling, wild herb-covered hills along the Mediterranean coast.
For many, the 2021 vintage joins 2016 as the best in a decade, and the reasons are clear in Ornellaia's bottling! It delivers stunning depth, with layers that unfurl in the mouth, followed by a drawn-out, tapered finish that characterizes the best. Detailed, vibrant aromas of floral-tinged dark fruits, dried herbs and earthy hints are complemented by the rich, toasted oak spices from 18 months in French oak barrels. Perhaps the most magical characteristic of a vintage like 2021 is the finesse imbued into the wine's rich depths, giving it an open-knit personality that makes it delicious to drink already (just let it open up in the decanter for a couple hours)! We suggest pairing this with richly-flavored dishes like roasts, braises and meaty sauces, especially involving game or well-marbled beef.
ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 99 POINTS - "The 2021 Ornellaia captures all the magic of this sensational vintage on the Tuscan Coast. Rich, ample and expansive, with tremendous polish, the 2021 is pure class. Dark-toned fruit, mocha, espresso, licorice, plum and dried herbs abound. The tannins are present but also beautifully integrated, as is the French oak. There was a time not too long ago when young wines here needed years in bottle to drink well. That's not at all the case with the 2021. The blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot works so well. New oak was 70%."
WINE SPECTATOR; INSIDER 98 POINTS - "An intense red, defined by lively acidity and framed by dense, ripe tannins that showcase its black currant, blackberry, violet and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Iron and wild herb accents emerge as this plays out on the finish. Though expressive at this stage, this youthful version will benefit from time in bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot."
From its inception, Ornellaia was to be a benchmark for Italian wine, taking inspiration from the great chateaux of Bordeaux. That's natural, since in Bolgheri the Bordeaux grape varieties shine brightest, showing an irresistibly delicious character that's distinct from other places that grown them; the 2021 Ornellaia has a typical "left bank" blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. Yet the wine can't help but pour forth in Tuscany's accent, its aromas and generous character evoking the softly rolling, wild herb-covered hills along the Mediterranean coast.
For many, the 2021 vintage joins 2016 as the best in a decade, and the reasons are clear in Ornellaia's bottling! It delivers stunning depth, with layers that unfurl in the mouth, followed by a drawn-out, tapered finish that characterizes the best. Detailed, vibrant aromas of floral-tinged dark fruits, dried herbs and earthy hints are complemented by the rich, toasted oak spices from 18 months in French oak barrels. Perhaps the most magical characteristic of a vintage like 2021 is the finesse imbued into the wine's rich depths, giving it an open-knit personality that makes it delicious to drink already (just let it open up in the decanter for a couple hours)! We suggest pairing this with richly-flavored dishes like roasts, braises and meaty sauces, especially involving game or well-marbled beef.
ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 99 POINTS - "The 2021 Ornellaia captures all the magic of this sensational vintage on the Tuscan Coast. Rich, ample and expansive, with tremendous polish, the 2021 is pure class. Dark-toned fruit, mocha, espresso, licorice, plum and dried herbs abound. The tannins are present but also beautifully integrated, as is the French oak. There was a time not too long ago when young wines here needed years in bottle to drink well. That's not at all the case with the 2021. The blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot works so well. New oak was 70%."
WINE SPECTATOR; INSIDER 98 POINTS - "An intense red, defined by lively acidity and framed by dense, ripe tannins that showcase its black currant, blackberry, violet and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Iron and wild herb accents emerge as this plays out on the finish. Though expressive at this stage, this youthful version will benefit from time in bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot."
Overall Rating
0 out of 5 Based on 0 Review
