2013 Ornellaia
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Tasting notes
The balsamic edge is clear, as are the waves of rosemary, toasted herbs, cumin, underbrush, dried herbs, amaretto biscuits, red cherry, tobacco. There were challenges in this vintage, with a cool beginning to the season followed by a hot summer, and they waited and extended picking to ensure complexity, with a long harvest stretching from September 9 to October 14. Feels beautifully Tuscan, with its blend of herbs and spices, and is full of charm, a little more evolved than some in the lineup. 70% new oak for ageing. Axel Heinz winemaker.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The inky colored 2013 Ornellaia is made from 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It was brought up in 70% new French oak, with the balance in once-used barrels, aged 18 months before bottling. Cassis, blackberries, graphite, toasty oak, and licorice notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, structured 2013 that has beautiful purity and elegance, building tannin, and a great finish. It’s a beautiful wine that’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and shine for 10-15 years.
The 2013 Ornellaia continues to put on weight with time in bottle. I have tasted the 2013 three times over the last few months and watched it blossom over that time. Fresh, vibrant and tightly wound, the 2013 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. There is striking purity to the aromas and flavors, along with plenty of tension and enough energy to reward cellaring.
This is the vintage dubbed L'Eleganza by winemaker Axel Heinz. The word appears on the back label and there are some special bottlings with labels by the Japanese artist Yutaka Sone. Dark crimson with purple notes. Very ripe but with lively, savoury topnotes and lifted freshness. Great balance and approachability already. Funny to think of how even the finest 2013 red bordeaux would taste alongside this luscious wine. Scented and savoury. Pure hedonism. Not sure 'elegant' is the word I'd choose in a global context, but maybe it is appropriate in an Ornellaia context. (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.