2000 Ornellaia

Nothing in particular stands out about the 2000 Ornellaia, instead the whole is clearly greater than the sum of its parts. This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc is a seamless beauty, showing exceptional purity with notable length on the palate and no hard edges. While the 2000 may not have the structure or complexity of the best vintages it will provide exceptional drinking now and to age 15, give or take.

Very dark crimson. Not the most intense nose – quite mineral but extremely opulent. Napa rides again! Very sweet. Black cherries. At the moment all I can sense is intense sweetness plus a bit of fine tannin. Quite alcoholic. 14.5% CS:M:CF 65:30:5 157,000 bottles (JR)

(14. 6% alcohol). Full red-ruby. Very ripe nose offers roasted meat, smoke, tobacco, underbrush and mint. Superripe, silky and lush, with a slightly roasted fruit character. Not a hugely complex or deep vintage for Ornellaia, and likely to evolve relatively quickly, but the wine's uncommonly lush, velvety texture is more than worth the price of admission. Strong cherry fruit emerged with aeration. Almost California-like in its opulence and early appeal. Finishes with big but ripe tannins that are finer than those of the '97.