Silky, perfumed and polished, the 2004 Ornellaia is a fabulous example of the vintage. From magnum, the 2004 is exceptionally youthful and super-finessed, with expressive, floral aromatics and layers of finely-knit fruit. What else can I say? The 2004 is tremendous.

This is a really balanced and beautiful year with chocolate, currant and walnut character. Medium body and fine and silky tannins. Shows autumnal and light mushroom undertones. Just moving into its maturity. A warm yet fresh vintage. Ready to drink.

Dark ruby-purple in color, with complex aromas of dark chocolate, cola, vanilla, cedar and currant. Full-bodied yet ultrarefined, with dense, seamless, caressing tannins. Everything is in the right proportion. Superb. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best after 2009. 11,710 cases made. –JS

This strong series of 2004s continues with the gorgeous 2004 Ornellaia. A lively dark ruby, it is a vibrant effort bursting with expressive aromatics and layered, well-delineated fruit, showing much purity on the palate and closing with a long, finessed finish. Readers hoping to catch this wine’s full array of nuances will have to wait at least another few years as the wine remains quite primary today. This exquisite effort is not to be missed. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019. (Antonio Galloni)

Tasted at the Margaret River Cabernet tutorial. Very deep, almost opaque black/garnet colour. It has a very intense, deep nose, dark berried fruits, a touch of plum, some high quality oak here lending it a slight malt biscuit quality. Wonderful lift and fragrance. The palate is full-bodied with superb acidity, very fine tannins, black fruits, a touch of tar and allspice, hint of nutmeg, vibrant and vigorous towards the finish. Sumptuous and decadent…Ornellaia then! Drink 2014-2025+ Tasted November 2009.