2020 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Ornellaia" Bolgheri Superiore

Estate director Axel Heinz called 2020 ‘a classic Ornellaia,’ and picked the theme of ‘La Proporzione‘ (proportion) to describe its character. Indeed, the blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot marks a return to a more typical blend following the pendulum swings of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019, and 51% Merlot in 2018. Fine-grained and beautifully textured, its finely integrated tannins support a concentration of black fruits lightened by red berries. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar and damp earth make for a fragrant wine, accompanied by menthol and balsamic streaks which run through the wine and impart plenty of freshness. It finishes with a stony and salty element along with some chocolatey and woody hints. Tight and moreish, its ripeness of fruit combined with freshness and structure adeptly tells the story of this earlier-ripening vintage. It lacks complexity in the mouth – this will come with time – but the array of aromas gives a hint of what is to come. (JB)

Pouring a regal red color, the 2020 Ornellaia is sunny and inviting, with lush aromas of sweet fruits, including raspberry coulis, black cherry, dark mineral earth, cedar, and licorice candy. Expansive through the palate, it offers fabulous and polished tannins, a plush and velvety texture, and structure that’s well-balanced throughout. A mouthwatering touch of black tea on the finish rounds out this wine nicely, and it will do well to cellar. (AF)