The estate. Tenuta dell'Ornellaia was founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori in Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast, and released its first vintage in 1985. Since 2005 it has been wholly owned by the Frescobaldi family. Ornellaia is the estate's grand vin, above the second wine Le Serre Nuove and the entry-level Le Volte.
Region. Bolgheri Superiore DOC.
Grapes and style. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. Bottled in July 2025 and released in spring 2026.
The 2023 vintage. A mild winter and a wet spring, then a warm summer with timely rain, so the vines never ran short of water. Late-August rain and cool September nights built aromatic complexity and kept the acidity fresh. The estate named the vintage La Vitalità.
What to expect. Deep, vibrant ruby. Ripe blueberry and blackberry with toasted almond and cocoa. Concentrated but plush, with silky, finely grained tannins and a long finish.
Serving. 16–18°C. Still young: if opening now, decant for one to two hours, or cellar it for several years. Steak or braised beef cheek.