The 2023 Ornellaia Bianco is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, fermented and aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 20 months. It slowly emerges from the glass with restrained scents of lemon curd, grapefruit, and honeysuckle, leading to wafts of elderflower, chalk dust, and Marcona almonds. The light‑ to medium‑bodied palate is super‑intense with wonderful tension and a satiny texture, finishing long and chalky.

The 2023 Ornellaia Bianco, sourced entirely from Sauvignon Blanc across 13 hectares, pours a medium yellow hue and leans into a more subtle and mineral-driven expression. Aromas of candle wax, fresh apricot, rosemary, and lime oil unfold with air. Medium to full-bodied, it has impressive density and clarity, with a chalky texture and a savory, Mediterranean profile that avoids overt tropicality. The structure is precise and layered, with excellent freshness and aging potential. Drink 2026-2036.

Made with Sauvignon Blanc, the 2023 Bolgheri Bianco Ornellaia shows a softer more cushiony profile than recent editions. The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced primarily from the Bellaria vineyard at 130 meters in elevation. Parcel selection played a key role in 2023, with Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia showing more exotic fruit, and the estate choose to emphasize a distinctly Mediterranean expression with riper yellow fruit tones for this wine. Fermentation is carried out with great precision with strict protection from oxygen, followed by time in barrique, with about 30% new French oak, tonneaux and amphorae. The wine ages for 10 months on the fine lees with daily bâtonnage at first, then gradually reduced. This vintage outperforms the 2022 in terms of length and polish, offering notes of white pepper, ginger, lemon peel, exotic flower and spice. This wine is scheduled for release in March 2026. - ML

The 2023 Ornellaia Bianco opens with brilliant, sculpted aromatics. Citrus peel, slate, sage, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper lend notable freshness throughout. Sauvignon Blanc is so expressive here. Tropical and saline notes develop in the glass, adding freshness as the wine also gains a measure of volume. This is beautifully rendered and a far better bottle than the one I tasted a few months ago. - Antonio Galloni