Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is a Bolgheri estate which lies in the heart of Tuscany's coastal region, Maremma, also home to Sassicaia. The estate is one of the icon wineries of Italy, producing some of the finest Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany, grown in the alluvial, volcanic, and marine-based soils which comprise the region’s terroir.

Founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, Ornellaia’s first vineyard plantings were in 1982 and the new winery started operations with the 1985 vintage. Robert Mondavi and Marchesi de' Frescobaldi became co-owners of the estate in 2002, but since 2005, the estate has been exclusively owned by Marchesi de' Frescobaldi.

Grapes which are not designated for the winery’s flagship Bordeaux-styled release Ornellaia, one of the first Super Tuscans, are "declassified" to the production of Le Serre Nuove, which usually has more Merlot, and sees less oak influence. The winery produces several other labels, including Le Volte, a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Sauvignon Blanc, Poggio alla Gazze, and Ornus, a sweet, late harvest wine from Petit Manseng.

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia also owns the Masseto winery and estate, which produces an equally world-renowned and lauded single-vineyard Merlot.

The desire to nurture the estate’s exceptional qualities has shaped Ornellaia’s philosophy since the beginning. The flagship wine Ornellaia is one of the first and finest Super Tuscans, a cuvee of Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Introducing the 2013 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia, a remarkable red wine hailing from the illustrious region of Tuscany, Italy. Crafted with the utmost precision and care by the renowned producer Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, this wine is a true testament to the artistry of winemaking.

Comprised of a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, this wine embodies the essence of elegance and finesse. The 2013 vintage experienced a challenging growing season, with early difficulties that were eventually balanced out by steady ripening during the summer. As a result, this edition of Ornellaia is beautifully tonic and shapely.

Upon pouring, the wine reveals a deep, garnet hue that entices the senses. The bouquet is complex and highly developed, exuding enticing aromas of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice. These captivating perfumes waft from the glass, promising a sensory journey like no other.

On the palate, the 2013 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia showcases an intense and harmonious profile. The tannins, while still youthful, possess a silky and linear nature, adding a velvety texture to the wine. The flavors unfold with finesse, showcasing notes of black cherry, plum, and a subtle vanilla and toast undertone. This brash yet balanced style demonstrates the wine's potential for further aging.

Critics have been captivated by the allure of this vintage. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 96 points, praising its seamless integration and beautiful aromatic complexity. Wine Spectator also lauded its fine balance and predicted it would reach its equilibrium after a few years of cellaring.

James Suckling was enamored by the wine's amazing graphite and violet aromas, as well as its medium to full body and ultra-velvety tannins. Awarding it a staggering 98 points, he described its finish as long and beautiful, with a refreshing hint of ginger.

Jeb Dunnuck, in his 95+ point review, commended the wine's purity, elegance, and concentrated structure. He stated that it would benefit from a few more years of bottle age, showcasing its potential to shine for a decade or more.

Decanter, in a perfect 100-point score, hailed the wine as a beautifully compact expression of the vintage, with a clear and moreish fruit profile. They emphasized its bracing freshness and crisp insistence, likening it to a wine bottled just yesterday.

Jane Anson, in her 93-point review, appreciated the wine's Tuscan charm, marked by its blend of herbs and spices. She noted its balsamic edge and the waves of nuanced flavors, showcasing the wine's complexity and evolution.

With its exceptional reviews and undeniable pedigree, the 2013 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia is a wine that demands attention and reverence. This masterpiece will undoubtedly reward those who have the patience to cellar it, allowing it to evolve and reveal even further depths of its character.