Ornellaia 2023

This legendary red wine originates from Italy, specifically from the prestigious Bolgheri Superiore DOC within the Tuscan coast. Founded in 1981 by Marquis Lodovico Antinori and currently owned by the historic Marchesi de' Frescobaldi family, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia stands as an iconic pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement. The estate's winemaking philosophy focuses on a Bordeaux-inspired approach, meticulously managing a complex mosaic of marine, alluvial, and volcanic soils to craft a Grand Vin that beautifully mirrors the power, elegance, and Mediterranean soul of its unique coastal terroir.

Wine Description

The 2023 Ornellaia displays an intense, deep, and brilliant ruby red colour with a vibrant appearance in the glass. On the nose, it unveils a highly expressive, botanical, and complex bouquet filled with ripe blueberry and blackberry aromas, beautifully accented by hints of toasted almonds, cocoa, and fragrant Mediterranean shrubs like thyme and rosemary. The palate is generous, full bodied, and deeply concentrated, yet it surprises with a remarkably plush, velvety, and delicate texture. Flavours of dark cherry, plum, mocha, and subtle savory spices are underscored by a striking energy and a vibrant streak of acidity, showing a masterfully finessed through line that avoids any excess over ripeness. The finish is exceptionally enduring and sustained by silky, finely chiseled tannins that provide great structural elegance. Composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot, this vintage represents the debut of ex-Bordeaux technical director Marco Balsimelli. Each parcel was vinified separately before undergoing a double-barrel aging regime in French oak (65% new) for a total of 15 months, creating a harmonious and seamless profile built to evolve beautifully in the cellar from 2027 through 2050.

Vintage Quality

The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri was demanding but ultimately highly successful, marked by an exceptionally rainy spring that filled vital underground water reserves. A warm summer followed, and while a lower daytime average temperature in August slowed maturation, perfect conditions arrived in September with dry days and cool nights, allowing winemakers to harvest beautifully balanced fruit at optimum phenolic maturity.