Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2015: best 2023 to 2040.
vintage8 yrs25 yrs27 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Spectator reviewed 2001199896/100
Wine Advocate reviewed 2018201598/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black cherry, cassis, graphite, sweet cedar

Palate: dark plum, iron, espresso, polished oak

Lodovico Antinori's Bolgheri Bordeaux-blend, founded 1981. Bolgheri Superiore DOC under Frescobaldi ownership; Wine Spectator Wine of the Year 2001 for the 1998 vintage.

What it pairs with

How to serve Ornellaia

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Rib of beef, dry-aged, Florentine T-bone with bone marrow, Aged Pecorino with truffle honey. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Lodovico Antinori founded Tenuta dell'Ornellaia in 1981; the first Ornellaia vintage was 1985. Frescobaldi acquired full ownership in 2005. Wine Spectator named the 1998 Ornellaia its 2001 Wine of the Year.

  1. 1981: Lodovico Antinori founds the estate
  2. 1985: First Ornellaia vintage
  3. 2001: Wine Spectator names 1998 Ornellaia its Wine of the Year
  4. 2005: Frescobaldi acquires full ownership

Facts

Producer
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (15%), Petit Verdot (5%)
Classification
Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Oak
18 months in French oak barriques, around 70 percent new
ABV
14.5%
Price
EUR 200 to 350 at retail
Drinking window
8 to 25 from vintage
First vintage
1985

Frequently asked about Ornellaia

What does Ornellaia taste like?

On the nose, black cherry, cassis, graphite, sweet cedar. On the palate, dark plum, iron, espresso, polished oak. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Lodovico Antinori's Bolgheri Bordeaux-blend, founded 1981. Bolgheri Superiore DOC under Frescobaldi ownership; Wine Spectator Wine of the Year 2001 for the 1998 vintage.

When should I drink Ornellaia?

Drink 8 to 25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Ornellaia?

Rib of beef, dry-aged is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Florentine T-bone with bone marrow and Aged Pecorino with truffle honey. Bolgheri Cabernet structure handles dry-aged beef.

What grapes are in Ornellaia?

The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (15%), Petit Verdot (5%). The wine is classified as Bolgheri Superiore DOC.

Tags

cabernet franc cabernet sauvignon cellar worthy cult wine dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic merlot mood bold mood contemplative mood elegant occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with red meat petit verdot price luxury still red super tuscan

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Tuscany

See all 2298 bookable experiences in Tuscany

← Back to wines in Tuscany