Following in the steps of its Super-Tuscan counterparts; Sassicaia and Tignanello, today the rule of three is complete as Ornellaia 2018 has been released at £800 IB per case (6x75cl).
2018 has been a resounding success so far in Tuscany; a return to normal climatic conditions has resulted in a "classic" vintage where a mild winter was followed by a dry summer with warm (not excessively hot) days, cool nights, and a long growing season that has produced wines with an emphasis on finesse and elegance.
Ornellaia 2018 was awarded 97 Points by both James Suckling and Antonio Galloni, with the latter stating that "there is certainly plenty to look forward to. Readers should expect a silky, aromatic Ornellaia in line with vintages such as 2004 that are more about finesse than raw power." Decanter's Aldo Fiordelli concurs, describing it as "a really great expression of Bolgheri, more focused on elegance than powerful", scoring it 96 points.
This elegance, finesse, and balance is also highlighted in the cépage, where for the first time in its history Merlot is the dominant varietal making up 51% of the blend, and is complemented with Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Cabernet Franc (7%) and Petit Verdot (2%), respectively.
In addition, the estates' second wine Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2018 has been released at £185 IB per case (6x75cl); as well as its third wine Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2019 at £97 IB per case (6x75cl). Both wines offer excellent value and are the perfect introductions to the Ornellaia range!
Ornellaia 2018 | £800 IB (6x75cl)
"So aromatic and complex with blackcurrants, blueberries, fresh violets and lavender on the nose. Some graphite and iodine, too. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins that are polished and refined, yet the palate is so long and refined. This is an Ornellaia with strength in elegance."
97/100 points. James Suckling
"The 2018 Ornellaia is an introvert at this stage. Medium in body, with terrific persistence and impeccable balance, the 2018 is not in any mood to show all its cards today. Hints of red berry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and dried flowers emerge with a bit of coaxing. I won’t be surprised to see it put on weight with more time in bottle. There is certainly plenty to look forward to. Readers should expect a silky, aromatic Ornellaia in line with vintages such as 2004 that are more about finesse than raw power. This is the first time in which Merlot drives the blend in Ornellaia."
97/100 points. Antonio Galloni (Vinous)
"Closed but rippled with character, the wet stones that speak of minerality and juice, and a ton of liquorice root and red berry fruits. This is sweet through the attack and savoury on the finish, with silky tannins, no question of its complexity. Aromatics of rosemary and sage by the handful alongside raspberry leaf and charred leather as it opens fully in the glass."
96/100 points. Jane Anson (Decanter)
"Often seen as one of the most powerful wines from Bolgheri, and possibly too muscular up until the first decade of the 2000s, Ornellaia 2018 is lighter than usual - a fact which is the result of both the cooler vintage and a thoughtful style. In this vintage, Merlot is the prominent grape, reaching 51% of the blend. The nose is intoxicatingly fresh and full of spice, with restrained cassis, citrus, clove and black pepper, most likely benefitting from lighter extraction. Graphite minerality dominates the palate, together with sweet blond tobacco and dark fruits. The mid-palate shows good concentration, with crunchy, ripe tannins and brilliant acidity. A really great expression of Bolgheri, more focused on elegance than powerful."
96/100 points. Aldo Fiordelli (Decanter)
Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2018 | £250 IB (6x75cl)
"The 2018 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is everything a second wine should be. Open-knit and silky, with impeccable balance and tons of sheer appeal, the 2018 is exquisite today. I would prefer to drink it on the early side in order to capture all of its freshness. In some vintages, Le Serre Nuove can be a bit imposing; in 2018 is all charm and seduction."
93/100 points. Antonio Galloni (Vinous)
"Crackling with personality, this has a lovely mix of dark chocolate shavings, liquorice, sweet cedar, raspberry, sage and Tuscan underbrush. Really one to savour, holds its grip through the palate and is juicy, nuanced and mouthwatering. A brilliant second wine, made mainly from the younger vines of Ornellaia. 17% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Aged in oak (25% new) for 15 months, with six months further ageing in bottle before release."
93/100 points. Jane Anson (Decanter)
“Characterized by a lively ruby red colour, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2018 is a wine of great aromatic complexity, a distinctive feature of this vintage. In the glass, aromas of berries, blackberry, raspberry and red cherry are accompanied by floral hints of wild rose and spicy notes of pink pepper and liquorice. On tasting, the wine has a good tannic structure, enveloping and balanced, with a crisp and savoury finish.”
Olga Fusari - Winemaker
SOLD OUT
Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2019 | £97 IB (6x75cl)
"Rosemary, sage and underbrush on the attack. Tight, extremely spicy, this feels full of freshly cut herbs with touches of earth. A cold start to the season meant late budding then a hot season later, giving an opulence in the final glass. This is bottled a year earlier than the others two reds, and is a little more open. Blending takes place after ageing, with ageing in a mix of oak barrels and cement."
90/100 points. Jane Anson (Decanter)
“2019 gives us a Le Volte dell’Ornellaia with great balance and expressivity. With its bright ruby-red colour, intense scents of red berries and rose petals are clearly distinguishable on the nose, while on the palate the taste is full-bodied and enveloping, characterised by dense tannins and a vibrant acidity which make this a highly pleasant and enjoyable wine.”
Olga Fusari - Winemaker
Please note prices quoted are In Bond (ex-Duty and VAT), per case as stated 6x75cl.
