2011 ornellaia, bolgheri

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Bottle size (ML)

Why We're Buying

Ornellaia Bolgheri belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of Italian wines. It’s one of the original Super Tuscans, a style that transformed Italian wine into the powerhouse it is today. Ornellaia is picked during ideal conditions and uses only the finest fruit to ensure immaculate year-over-year quality. Today, the Bordeaux-style red blend easily commands a $300 price tag.

Critics Scores

Vinous

Another dark, intense wine, the 2011 Ornellaia boasts superb depth, richness and power. Here, too, the 2011 has tightened up quite a bit over the last six months. Today, the searing tannins are quite prominent, giving the 2011 an element of gravitas and muscle that argues for cellaring. How long? I am not sure, but the 2011 is built for the long haul. Savory herbs, new leather, menthol and cloves resonate on the huge finish.

Wine Spectator

A dark, inky red, featuring violet, black currant, cedar, sandalwood and iron aromas and flavors. Nonetheless, this comes across as elegant, even as the tannins prove formidable on the finish. A terrific young wine in the making.

Decanter

In this vintage the Cabernet Sauvignon, with much concentration, was harvested at the end of September. Yields were below the average of 35-40 hl/ha, at 29hl/ha. 'The 2011 was an oversize vintage, warm yet more balanced here on the coast. In theory, it has the balance for ageing,' says winemaker Axel Heinz. The wine is indeed full of sweet fruit, candied banana, leather and tobacco, with a nutmeg finish. It's youthful, mineral and savoury on the palate, showing velvety tannins with a grainy, ripe finish and some austerity for ageing. Drinking Window 2019 - 2040 (AF)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2011 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia lives up to the legacy of this important wine, thanks to its extreme intensity and its skillfully crafted bouquet. The excellent quality of fruit stands clear, despite the heat of the vintage, with pristine notes of dark cherry, exotic spice and chocolate. This expression of Ornellaia is composed of 51 Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 Merlot, 11 Cabernet Franc and 6 Petit Verdot. The results are nothing short of exuberant and this vintage will reward both those who decided to drink it early, as well as those who have the patience to wait. The only slight ruffle in this otherwise gorgeous presentation is the 2011 tannin that feels a touch aggressive. For that reason, its probably better to put the wine aside in your cellar.

Wine Enthusiast

Another impressive effort from the celebrated Ornellaia estate. it opens with aromas of black berries, plum, blue flower and hints of balsamic herbs. The rich palate delivers a core of fleshy black cherry accented with notes of licorice, black pepper and mocha alongside bracing but refined tannins. It’s still young so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2016–2031.

James Suckling

A bit of a monster with dark chocolate and cherry fruits. An assertive, bold wine with oak served up in thick slices, topped with slightly jammy cassis and blackberry. Forthright, bold and dense; very showy and boldly engineered.