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 2018 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia is a captivating red wine from the renowned region of Tuscany, Italy. With its deep, enticing color and complex flavor profile, this wine truly embodies the essence of Italian winemaking.

On the nose, the wine exudes a symphony of aromas, starting with blackcurrants and blueberries that dance together in perfect harmony. Fresh violets and lavender add a touch of elegance to the bouquet, while subtle notes of graphite and iodine provide depth and intrigue. It is a captivating olfactory experience that sets the stage for the sensory journey to come.

Upon the first sip, the wine reveals its true character. Medium to full-bodied, it showcases firm yet refined tannins that caress the palate with a polished touch. The flavors unfold in layers, with blackcurrants, cherries, and blackberries taking center stage. The wine's complexity is further enhanced by hints of milk chocolate, leather, and liquorice spicing, adding depth and nuance.

The 2018 Ornellaia is a wine of impeccable balance and persistence. Its freshness and silkiness are beautifully counterbalanced by density and structure. This is a wine that seamlessly combines power and finesse, resulting in a truly charismatic and memorable experience.

Crafted with meticulous care, the 2018 Ornellaia is a blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The grapes are fermented in oak barrels, with 70% new and 30% once used, before being transferred to barriques for 18 months. After the initial maturation, the wine is assembled and aged for an additional 6 months in barriques before bottling. It is then aged again for 12 months prior to release.

This vintage of Ornellaia has received high praise from wine critics. Decanter awarded it a score of 97, describing it as "abundant and packed full of flavor while refined and precise." James Suckling also gave it a score of 97, noting its aromatic complexity and strength in elegance. Vinous praised its persistence and balance, predicting that it will continue to evolve with time in the bottle.

The 2018 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia is a wine that promises a truly exceptional experience. With its captivating aromas, refined tannins, and remarkable complexity, it is a true masterpiece from one of Italy's most esteemed wineries. This wine is best enjoyed after 2025 to fully appreciate its potential, and it will continue to evolve and delight for decades to come.