1985 Ornellaia
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Tasting notes
The 1985 Ornellaia (magnum) is big and full-bodied, with gorgeous complexity in its dark fruit, sweet cedar and spices. At nearly 25 years of age, the 1985 remains beautifully balanced. This is an exceptional wine, especially considering the vines were only three years old and there was no selection to speak of when it came to the harvested fruit. As delicious as the wine is, there is little upside in further cellaring and the 1985 is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. 1985 was a benchmark year in the early development of Bolgheri, as it was a great vintage for Sassicaia, the region’s most iconic wine, and also the first vintage of Ornellaia. The 1985 Ornellaia is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent between 12 and 16 months in French oak. Interestingly, the 1985 was made at the cellars of Antinori in San Casciano.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Still impressively deep crimson and a note of leafiness. Ripe, round, taut, rather tense nose but on the palate the fruit is fading a bit. The acidity is becoming more and more prominent. Very much a mid 1980s wine. Reminds me of California rather. 12.5% CS:M:CF 80:15:5 13,000 bottles produced in the Antinori cellars at San Casciano (JR)
Full medium-red color. Pretty, floral aromas of raspberry, licorice, mocha, cedar and smoke. Lush but vinous, with nicely integrated acidity giving shape and grip to the flavors. Not a big wine but sappy, classy and precise. Finishes with very firm but fine tannins and lovely purity.
Some oriental spice – sweet-and-sour outside of duck. Lively, flirtatious and elegant. Not big. Ready, though tannins lurk underneath. Lightweight, but good balance. (JR)
About the producer
Based in the foothills of Bolgheri, Ornellaia is one of the original Super Tuscans, making some of Italy’s finest Cabernet blends. Created by Lodovico Antinori, today the estate is owned by the Frescobaldi family, which also owns sibling property Masseto.