An astoundingly vibrant, powerful and concentrated Ornellaia that has a wealth of intense dark cherries, mulberries and plums with hints of espresso, dark cocoa powder and cedar. The concentrated palate is framed in long, regal tannins that bring focus to the plush, ripe and fresh black cherries and dark plums. Extremely balanced. Best from 2025.

(98+ points) From a great vintage for Bolgheri, the 2016 Ornellaia is a classic blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot that was aged 20 months in 70% new French oak. Its saturated purple color is followed by a deep, beautifully concentrated yet primordial effort that offers serious intensity in its cassis, black cherry, graphite, bay leaf, forest floor, and spring flower aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and multi-dimensional on the palate, it has thrilling purity of fruit, ample tannins, and a great, great finish. This is a tour de force in red wine that needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades.

The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a wine of extreme complexity and precision. It offers monumental depth with profound layers of black fruit, coffee, licorice and baking chocolate. I tasted this 2016 vintage beside the less-impactful 2015 vintage (which was reviewed last year). These two editions are very different when compared side to side, and this 2016 release is clearly superior in terms of the quality, clarity and intensity of its offerings. This Ornellaia delivers glossy shine and a polished texture that segues to important richness, concentration and textural fiber. It wraps thickly over the palate, imparting waves of sweet dark fruit and dark spice that linger for many long minutes. This beautiful wine is hitting the market now, but collectors will want to put it straight into their cellars for safekeeping.- ML

Ornellaia 2016 is a top example of this estate in Bolgheri and its legendary longevity will not betray it. Less extracted than in the past, it's more restrained yet perfectly ripe and with a great intensity of aromas. It opens up with spicy notes of clove and nutmeg, followed by brambly fruit and a kind of iodine mineral character in depth, finishing with an amazing length of tobacco. The super-fine, oaky style needs time to integrate with the firm yet velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/italy/tuscany/ornellaia-bolgheri-superiore-tuscany-italy-2016-31245#MqQrc21HiZCIoC94.99

The 2016 Ornellaia has a predominately fruit-driven nose of fresh black plum and black currant, with tar, fruitcake, licorice, and damp soil. The tannins are plush and polished, with an energetic acidity to drive the finish. Still very youthful and showing the balance and concentration to promise a beautiful evolution. The blend is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. - Vanessa Conlin

Black currant, plum, cedar, lead pencil and toasty, spicy elements highlight this intense red. Muscular tannins line the extended finish, leaving a peppery impression. The parts are all there but need time to integrate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2043. 2,500 cases imported. — BS

Cedar, French oak and cassis aromas follow over to the vibrant palate along with coconut and dried black cherry. Racy acidity lends energy and youthful tension while firm fine-grained tannins offer elegant support. It's still young and primary so it give it time to fully develop. Drink 2024–2036. - KERIN O’KEEFE