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.

The 2015 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia is a remarkable red wine hailing from the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, Italy. This proprietary blend showcases the unparalleled craftsmanship of the renowned producer, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. With its deep red color and elegant label, this wine is a true feast for the eyes.

Upon first examination, the wine reveals a dark, exuberant, and opulent character. It bursts with intense flavor, ripeness, and extract, captivating the senses with every sip. The 2015 vintage of Ornellaia is truly a masterpiece, showcasing both beauty and depth.

The aromas of this wine are savory and captivating, with notes of dried blackberry, toasted espresso, and cured tobacco taking center stage. These flavors are derived from the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon grape, which adds a unique and complex dimension to the wine.

According to renowned wine critic Monica Larner, there is a note of impurity that adds an intriguing element to the wine. This characteristic may be polarizing to some, but it only reveals itself upon closer examination. Larner's doubt is reflected in her score, which is accompanied by a question mark.

Other critics have showered this wine with praise, emphasizing its potential for greatness. Wine Spectator awarded it an impressive score of 97, describing it as a big, brooding red with flavors of blackberry, plum, and earth. They also highlighted the dense, mouthcoating tannins and the wine's terrific aging potential.

James Suckling, another esteemed critic, awarded this wine an outstanding score of 98. He noted the impressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, fresh sage, and bay-leaf, which are complemented by stone, graphite, and mineral undertones. Suckling also highlighted the wine's refined tannins and overall elegance.

Decanter magazine gave this wine a score of 96, praising its powerful character and generous cassis fruit. They noted additional flavors of meat, leather, vanilla, dark cigar leaf, and spice. The palate is described as full and velvety, with a chalky finish that adds complexity and depth.

Jeb Dunnuck, a respected wine critic, awarded this wine a score of 97. He compared it to the 2016 vintage, noting that the 2015 Ornellaia exhibits a more sexy, sunny, and flamboyant style. The wine showcases notes of sweet black cherries, Asian spices, graphite, wood smoke, mint, and dried tobacco. It is full-bodied, concentrated, and has beautifully polished tannins.

Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine a score of 95, highlighting its cedar, French oak, and cassis aromas. On the palate, the wine displays flavors of coconut and dried black cherry. Racy acidity adds energy and youthful tension, while fine-grained tannins offer elegant support. This wine is still young and primary, with tremendous aging potential.

Overall, the 2015 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia is a wine that demands attention and admiration. Its complex flavors, refined tannins, and impressive aging potential make it a true gem of the Bolgheri region. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.