1999 Ornellaia
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Tasting notes
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Harvest first week in Sept to the start of Oct. Very uniform ripeness. Part fermented in wood and partly in tank, malo in barrel (60% new). Parcels kept separate for the first 12 months in barrel and then another 6 months in barrel after blending. Some signs of development at the rim but still has good colour. Fine leafy graphite notes suggesting Cabernet Franc. A slight coffee note and some intense dark-fruited sweetness as it opens up. Dry chocolate texture (the sort of dry effect of 70% chocolate) and gentle sweetness but still has so much life in it. Wonderfully compact and dry though very supple and fresh. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Daniel Thomases, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Ornellaia (magnum) does not disappoint. This vivid, energetic wine emerges from the glass with a myriad of graphite, menthol, licorice, leather and dark fruit wrapped around a powerful core. The bouquet alone is worth the price of admission. Though not as opulent as the 1997, the 1999 offers exceptional length and a finessed, regal close. The 1999 Ornellaia is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The wine spent 18 months in French oak (60% new) prior to being bottled.
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Very dark crimson with a bit of black. Super-ripe again and very sweet and lush. Almost more Napa Valley than anything.Though without any excess alcohol. Neat, refreshing finish. Long. Seems already at the peak of its powers now. (JR)
Very dark crimson. Minerals and intense ripeness. Very sweet – black fruits almost – intensely flattering. A bit more grip and acidity than the 1997 and overall a more satisfying package. Stll youthful but well covered richness to begin with. 14.5% CS:M:CF 65:30:5 160,000 bottles (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.