2015 Ornellaia Vendemmia D'Artista

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. Harvest began on 29 August with the Merlot and ended on 12 October with the last of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Each grape variety vinified separately. Fermentation took place in stainless steel and concrete tanks between 26 – 30 °C for two weeks, followed by 10 – 15 days of maceration on the skins. The malolactic fermentation took place mainly in oak barrels, 70% new and 30% second-use. 18 months in barriques and one year in bottle. A much hotter summer than 2016. Deep blackish crimson with a tiny bit of evolution. Rather soapy nose (this is not a criticism!), very fragrant – something reminiscent of a floral scent. There was apparently quite a bit more Petit Verdot in this than the 2016 so perhaps that’s what I’m smelling. (It can sometimes smell of violets.) A little rounder than 2016. (JR)