Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Ornellaia 2011 1.5L

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, established in 1981 by Marchese Lodovico Antinori, emerged as a cornerstone of Italy's Super Tuscan movement. Lodovico, a member of the prominent Antinori wine family, sought to create a Bordeaux-style blend that could rival the best wines in the world, using the unique terroir of Bolgheri. Ornellaia quickly rose to fame in the 1990s, becoming synonymous with elegance and power. In 1999, the estate underwent a major change when it was sold to the Mondavi family of California, who brought international attention and a focus on innovation to the brand. By 2002, the ownership shifted again, with the Frescobaldi family, long-time rivals and one of Italy’s most historic wine dynasties, acquiring full control. Under the stewardship of Marchese Ferdinando Frescobaldi and winemaker Axel Heinz, the estate continues its legacy of excellence, blending tradition with modern winemaking techniques to create some of the most sought-after wines in the world.

The estate is nestled in Bolgheri, along the Tuscan coast, where the Mediterranean climate and unique alluvial soils provide the ideal growing conditions for Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Bolgheri’s warm climate is tempered by sea breezes, which help maintain freshness and balance in the wines, while the gravelly soils contribute to the structure and minerality that define Ornellaia. The estate’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention allows the terroir to express itself fully, making each vintage a reflection of the specific growing conditions of the year.

Ornellaia 2011 is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, crafted in a vintage that was defined by a hot, dry growing season. The wine was aged for 18 months in 70% new and 30% once-used French oak barrels, followed by 12 months of bottle aging. This meticulous aging process helps develop the wine’s signature complexity and depth. The 2011 vintage is notable for its opulent, ripe fruit flavors, showcasing blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, supported by notes of tobacco, spice, and a touch of vanilla from the oak. The wine’s tannins are silky yet firm, providing excellent structure and long-term aging potential, while the acidity keeps the palate fresh.