July 31, 2024


Ornellaia 2021 - Italy's First Growth

Ornellaia 2021 - Italy's First Growth

Widely considered a Tuscan 'First Growth', Ornellaia’s vineyards are nestled in the prestigious Bolgheri region. This terroir benefits from a unique combination of maritime influences, diverse soil compositions, and a temperate climate that fosters optimal grape maturation. The Ornellaia 2021 is a shining example of the Super Tuscan category, which defied traditional Italian winemaking norms by incorporating international grape varieties and innovative techniques. 

The 2021 vintage in Bolgheri was exceptional, marked by ideal weather conditions that contributed to the development of grapes with remarkable balance and complexity. A combination of warm days and cool nights allowed for a slow and even ripening process, enhancing the intensity and depth of flavours. This vintage showcases the rich diversity of Bolgheri's terroir, with its well-drained soils composed of clay, sand, and limestone.

Renowned for its meticulous blending, the Ornellaia 2021 comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, each contributing to the wine's layered complexity. The result is a wine with a deep ruby colour, intense aromas of ripe dark fruits, and subtle hints of spice and tobacco. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of power and elegance, with fine-grained tannins and a persistent, refined finish.

A near-perfect 99-point score from the often hard-to-please Antonio Galloni of Vinous makes this his highest score ever awarded to an Ornellaia vintage, which puts the immense quality of 2021 into context. Galloni declares that "2021 is pure class." This exceptional rating is echoed by James Suckling, who also awarded it 99 points.

This vintage reaffirms Ornellaia’s status as one of the leading producers of Super Tuscans, offering a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing additional complexity over time.


Ornellaia 2021 (1x75cl) 


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99 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
The 2021 Ornellaia captures all the magic of this sensational vintage on the Tuscan Coast. Rich, ample and expansive, with tremendous polish, the 2021 is pure class. Dark-toned fruit, mocha, espresso, licorice, plum and dried herbs abound. The tannins are present but also beautifully integrated, as is the French oak. There was a time not too long ago when young wines here needed years in bottle to drink well. That's not at all the case with the 2021. The blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot works so well. New oak was 70%.

 

99 Points | James Suckling
Aromas of blackcurrants, iodine, crushed stone, hints of mint and sage. Blue fruits. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that open with air. It’s racy and very long. Very tannin driven and energetic with power and focus. Muscular and very toned. This is the best Ornellaia for the cellar in years. Try after 2030.

 

97 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
Ornellaia stands as proof, if it were needed, that Bordeaux varieties can really deliver magic in the Tuscan landscape. Blackberry, underbrush, dried roses, bay leaf, liqourice, fennel, raspberries, layers of baking spice, balsamic, turmeric and saffran. Will benefit from a few years more in bottle, and will go for decades. Director Axel Heinz in one of his last vintages, winemaker Olga Fusari. 119ha estate. 70% new oak, with the blend taking place after 12 months ageing, then left for a further six months in barrel, and 12 months in bottle before release.

 

96 Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
The Ornellaia 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia offers an extra layer of richness, generosity and plushness that shapes a very open-knit and exuberant Tuscan red. The blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. You feel the fruit and oak weight of the wine, the extract and the 15% alcohol content. All of these elements come together to big effect. From that power, you get black cherry, dark fruit, sweet spice and barbecue smoke. The fruit tannins are young, and this edition of Ornellaia proves worthy for medium or long-term drinking, especially as it softens up with more bottle age.

 

See all available wines and vintages of Ornellaia.