Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia stands as a beacon of Bolgheri's viticultural prowess, a region on the Tuscan coast renowned for its 'Super Tuscan' wines. The 2014 vintage, often characterized by a cooler, more challenging growing season, demanded meticulous vineyard management and precise selection. This vintage of Ornellaia, a classic Bordeaux-style blend, showcases the estate's unwavering commitment to quality, even in less straightforward years.
The vineyards, benefiting from a unique maritime microclimate and diverse soils of marine, alluvial, and volcanic origin, impart distinct complexity. Winemaking involves fermentation in stainless steel and oak, followed by extended maturation in French oak barriques, typically 70% new, for approximately 18 months. This careful oak regime integrates seamlessly, contributing structure and aromatic depth without overshadowing the fruit. The 300cl Double Magnum format offers exceptional ageing potential, allowing the wine to evolve gracefully over decades.
Tasting notes
The 2014 Ornellaia presents a deep ruby hue. On the nose, it offers a sophisticated bouquet of dark berries, cassis, and plum, interwoven with nuanced notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a hint of graphite, indicative of its Cabernet Sauvignon dominance. The palate is remarkably elegant and refined, displaying a medium-to-full body with polished tannins and a vibrant acidity that provides excellent freshness. Flavours echo the aromatics, with layers of blackcurrant, cherry, and a subtle earthiness, culminating in a long, persistent finish marked by mineral undertones and a touch of spice. Despite the vintage's challenges, this Ornellaia demonstrates remarkable balance and poise, promising significant evolution with further cellaring.