The 2017 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia Proprietary Blend is a distinguished wine hailing from the Bolgheri sub-region of Tuscany, Italy. This red wine, closed with a cork, boasts an alcohol content of 15.0% and is composed of a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 9% Cabernet Franc.
In a comprehensive review by Vinous, Antonio Galloni awarded the wine a score of 97, describing it as "stunning" and noting its "captivating interplay of richness and energy." Galloni praised the early picking of young vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, which were harvested in August for the first time ever. The wine presents an "enticing mélange of mocha, cedar, tobacco and licorice" and is characterized by its "soft curves" and "sumptuous and racy" nature, without being "heavy or overdone."
James Suckling, another esteemed reviewer, also rated the wine 97 points, highlighting its "big, rich" character despite the vintage. Suckling emphasized the wine's "firm, chewy tannins" and flavors of "blackberry, blackcurrant and walnut," suggesting the wine will benefit from three to four years of aging to fully come together.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provided a score of 96 and noted the wine's inclusion in the estate's Vendemmia d'Artista series, featuring artwork by Tomás Saraceno. This vintage, named Solare, is described as "generous and fruit-forward with dense richness and concentration," driven by the smaller berry size of the dry, hot growing season. The reviewer highlighted flavors of "black and purple fruits," "spice, tobacco, leather," and "Mediterranean notes of black olive and wild sage." The tannins are described as "beautifully managed," showcasing the wine's exceptional craftsmanship.
Jeb Dunnuck, scoring the wine 96 points, remarked on the wine's "complex notes of red and black fruits, chocolate, roasted herbs, licorice, and dried earth." He noted its "rich, concentrated mid-palate," "ripe, mouthcoating tannins," and "great finish." Dunnuck emphasized that the wine "stays lively and holds onto a sense of elegance," predicting it will evolve for 30-40 years or more.
Wine Spectator, giving a score of 94, described the wine as "well-oaked" with flavors of "black cherry, plum and loam" complemented by "vanilla and sweet spice elements." The review suggested the wine is "harmonious and accessible at this young stage" but will improve as the components harmonize over the next few years.
In summary, the 2017 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia Proprietary Blend is a wine of exceptional quality, praised for its richness, complexity, and potential for aging. With high scores from multiple reviewers, it stands out as a noteworthy selection from Tuscany's Bolgheri region.
