Ornellaia - Bolgheri Superiore 2019
Ornellaia Description
Ornellaia has established itself among the iconic wine estates in Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the estate’s unique terroir in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast. The combination of Bolgheri’s unique soils and growing conditions, and what can only be characterized as a total obsession with excellence, result in the world-class wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc that so many wine lovers across the world have come to cherish. WINE The desire to nurture the Estate’s exceptional qualities has shaped Ornellaia’s philosophy since the beginning. Ornellaia is the estate’s “Grand Vin”, with exceptional balance, power, elegance, and great aging potential. It faithfully reflects, in every vintage, its nature, site, and distinctive Mediterranean personality.
VINEYARD: Three major soil types: marine (sedimentary deposit from the sea), alluvial (marly, sandy clays with mineral veins), and volcanic (schist, gravel and porous soils.) Vineyards are planted at high density, from 5,000 - 8,700 hl/ha, and feature several training systems – spur-pruned cordon, single Guyot, and head-pruned vines.
WINEMAKING: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete tanks at temperatures between 26 and 30°C for a week, followed by 10-15 days of maceration on the skins. The malolactic fermentation took place mainly in oak barrels, 70% new and 30% once-used. Aging: The wine then remains in barriques, in Ornellaia’s temperature- controlled cellars, for about 18 months. After the first 12 months of maturation, the wine is assembled and then returned to the barriques for an additional 6 months. After bottling, the wine ages a further 12 months prior to release. Alcohol: 14.5%
VINTAGE: More than most vintages, 2019 was characterized by a highly variable climate, which alternated periods of cold and rain with long bouts of drought and heat. After a normal winter, the budding took place in the first week of April. The cold and rainy conditions throughout April and May significantly slowed down the vegetative vine growth, leading to a 10-day delay in flowering compared to the average. Very hot, rainless weather suddenly arrived in June, The weather stayed warm and sunny throughout the summer with 45 consecutive days without rain. The long dry period was interrupted by two days of rain in the last week of July, bringing the temperature back to the seasonal norm, with ideal conditions for ripening. The harvest began slowly on September 5th. As usual, the last week of September saw a lowering of temperatures which made it possible to preserve a great finesse and aromatic freshness. Sunny conditions allowed us to conclude the harvest of the later ripening varieties on October 4th.
Decanter: 98 Points
Pure delicious fruit expression on the nose, the best and brightest black cherry aromas, so pure and defined. Supremely elegant with delicate perfume surrounding the rich fruit aromas with a dusting of vanilla and milk chocolate. Excellent tension on the palate - you feel this is so direct and pristine, the flavors just driving from start to finish in one straight push but with concentration and intensity. It’s not so layered or expansive at this point but so well executed - you can feel the power. Tannins are grippy with ripe blackcurrants, a fleshy kind of texture to the palate with a hint of dry stoniness and salinity on the finish alongside liquorice and clove. So young but this has incredible depth, confidence and restraint.
Wine Advocate: 97 Points
This is a beautiful expression of coastal Tuscany and the sunny Mediterranean. The Ornellaia 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia (a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot) pours from the bottle with a specific darkness that has elements of both inky saturation and ruby highlights. The wine is saturated and rich—this is something you notice off the bat—but it also reveals a pleasing lightness or grace that is transmitted to both the bouquet and the palate. Dark fruit, pressed blackberry and plum mingle with more substantial aromas of spice, leather and sweetly cured tobacco. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine sports considerable heft and density on the palate that drives a very long and pleasurable mouthfeel.
Vinous Media: 97 Points
The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence.
Wine Spectator: 96 Points
A youthful red, concentrated and balanced, with blackberry, plum, earth and spice flavors gaining lift from the vibrant structure, while tannins envelop the lively fruit components. The finish is shored up by fine-grained tannins. This has all the components in the right place. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
