2021 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Toscana

" Ornellaia stands as proof, if it were needed, that Bordeaux varieties can really deliver magic in the Tuscan landscape." ~Jane Anson

Once part of the Antinori family empire and later owned by Robert Mondavi, Ornellaia is now proudly under the stewardship of the Frescobaldi family.Axel Heinz, the brilliant winemaker, and the legendary Michel Rolland as consultant continue the tradition of crafting extraordinary wines. 

Ornellaia has always been a testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. From the iconic launch in 1985, and with a winemaking heritage spanning seven centuries, the Frescobaldi family brings creativity, excellence, and a deep respect for tradition to Ornellaia. Their commitment to cultivating and celebrating local diversity has yielded exceptional results.

Ornellaia is born where nature and mind meet. Complex ancient soils converse through the medium of human wisdom with a delicate microclimate that is echoed and reflected in the Mediterranean Sea. Prolonged ageing accompanies the estate’s fine wine in achieving its utmost expression, revealing all its finesse and generosity over time.

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. Ornellaia 2021 displays the characteristics of a typical vintage in Bolgheri, with not a few sunny spells and devoid of rain, crafting a rich and concentrated wine that is also deeply expressive and generous. Signature notes of Mediterranean shrub, herbs, cypress berries, classic blackberry and dark fruit aromas unfurl on the nose, accompanying a palate endowed with dense tannins but certainly not lacking in precision and finesse. The finish is vibrant and enduring, bringing a feeling of aromatic freshness and elegance.

The finesse and depth to this is really impressive, showing brightness and super-integrated, polished and balanced tannins that go on for minutes. Fresh herbs, cherries, currants and a hint of vanilla. Long, almost endless finish. Drink after 2028, but already gorgeous. ~99 James Suckling

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. Best from 2027 through 2046. ~98 Wine Spectator

While the summer was hot and dry, with three months of drought, the vines' roots were able to tap water reserves which had been topped up by rainfall the previous winter and spring. Despite the warm growing season, Ornellaia 2021 feels less dense and muscular than vintages of old, offering pretty floral and wild herb perfumes alongside ripe red and black fruit scents. It's intense, fresh and vertical in character, with fine, ripe, round tannins that seem to be a trademark of the vintage – it's a gorgeous, breezy iteration of the Bolgheri benchmark that is already drinking well. The blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon (up from 50% in 2020), 25% Merlot (down from 32%), 15% Cabernet Franc (up from 13%) and 7% Petit Verdot (up from 5%); a carefully considered response from the winemaking team to the increasingly warm summers in the region. ~97 Decanter

Ornellaia stands as proof, if it were needed, that Bordeaux varieties can really deliver magic in the Tuscan landscape. Blackberry, underbrush, dried roses, bay leaf, liqourice, fennel, raspberries, layers of baking spice, balsamic, turmeric and saffran. Will benefit from a few years more in bottle, and will go for decades. Director Axel Heinz in one of his last vintages, winemaker Olga Fusari. 119ha estate. 70% new oak, with the blend taking place after 12 months ageing, then left for a further six months in barrel, and 12 months in bottle before release. ~97 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux 

~97 Alexandre MA

The Ornellaia 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia offers an extra layer of richness, generosity and plushness that shapes a very open-knit and exuberant Tuscan red. The blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. You feel the fruit and oak weight of the wine, the extract and the 15% alcohol content. All of these elements come together to big effect. From that power, you get black cherry, dark fruit, sweet spice and barbecue smoke. The fruit tannins are young, and this edition of Ornellaia proves worthy for medium or long-term drinking, especially as it softens up with more bottle age. ~96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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