2019 Ornellaia DOC 1500ml

98 POINTS

Falstaff

Rich ruby. Very complex nose with notes of blackberry, cassis and elderberry, then fine spices, some cinnamon, cardamom and cedar. Polished and fine on the palate, opens with lots of fine-mesh tannin, ripe berry fruit, fireworks of spices on the back end, fine fruit texture.

97 POINTS

James Suckling

The aromas of blackcurrants, fresh basil and thyme, as well as cedar and sandalwood are so attractive. It’s full-bodied and very linear with tight tannins that draw you down the length of this young wine. Wet-earth and cool-stone undertones. It’s solid and so structured. A classic Ornellaia for the cellar. Try after 2027.

97 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence.

97 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence.

97 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence. (Originally Published in March 2022)

97 POINTS

Aldo Fiordelli - Decanter

Ornellaia 2019 seems to be a return to the past: we must go back to the 2002 vintage to find a blend of Ornellaia with more than 60% of Cabernet Sauvignon. In the 2019 there is 62% of it to be precise, with 31% of Merlot, 4% of Petit Verdot and 3% of Cabernet Franc. It's a throwback which I like - compared, for example, with the Merlot-based 2018, even if it compensates the slightly lower proportion of Cabernet Franc. 'The vintage was delayed by a cool and rainy spring with flowering 10 days later than average, but the harvest finished one week earlier,' said Axel Heinz, managing director of Ornellaia. Despite the shorter growing season, 2019 was a powerful vintage with a dry and warm summer 2°C higher than the average. Ornellaia’s team defined it as 'Il Vigore', which refers to its strength. Restrained bramble fruits are enhanced by earthy tones, walnut husk and Mediterranean herbs, with a whiff of dry mushrooms and the first hint of balsamic notes. The attack is velvety with great mid-palate extraction. The tannins are very ripe and there's a refreshing acidity, but what is to be underlined is the clear cut of this wine, its woven structure and the savoury energy on the finish, typical of the climate of Bolgheri.

97 POINTS

Aldo Fiordelli - Decanter

Ornellaia 2019 seems to be a return to the past: we must go back to the 2002 vintage to find a blend of Ornellaia with more than 60% of Cabernet Sauvignon. In the 2019 there is 62% of it to be precise, with 31% of Merlot, 4% of Petit Verdot and 3% of Cabernet Franc. It's a throwback which I like - compared, for example, with the Merlot-based 2018, even if it compensates the slightly lower proportion of Cabernet Franc. 'The vintage was delayed by a cool and rainy spring with flowering 10 days later than average, but the harvest finished one week earlier,' said Axel Heinz, managing director of Ornellaia. Despite the shorter growing season, 2019 was a powerful vintage with a dry and warm summer 2°C higher than the average. Ornellaia’s team defined it as 'Il Vigore', which refers to its strength. Restrained bramble fruits are enhanced by earthy tones, walnut husk and Mediterranean herbs, with a whiff of dry mushrooms and the first hint of balsamic notes. The attack is velvety with great mid-palate extraction. The tannins are very ripe and there's a refreshing acidity, but what is to be underlined is the clear cut of this wine, its woven structure and the savoury energy on the finish, typical of the climate of Bolgheri.

96 POINTS

Kerin O'Keefe - Wine Enthusiast

This deeply hued, elegant red has enticing aromas suggesting ripe blackberries, juniper berries, purple flower and sandalwood. Firmly structured and boasting class and finesse, the palate is still young and austere, offering black cherries, currants, black pepper and tobacco. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity keep balanced. Drink 2029–2039.