The 2011 Ornellaia is another gorgeous wine. Mocha, plums, tobacco and licorice blossom from the glass in a rich, seamless wine endowed with stunning depth. Savory notes develop later, adding depth and resonance. The 2011 looks to have a broad drinking window that is sure to provide many stages of pleasure over the next 20+ years. The blend is approximately 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot.

Quality 980 | Brand 990 | Economics 883 | buzz brand, investment staple
Quality: The highest Quality score in its peer group for the 2011 vintage, at 980 compared to a peer group average of 819 Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 40 of the world's top wine lists, including Babbo Economics: Above its peer group average price of £55 for the 2011 vintage Production: Lower production than its peer group average of 151,875 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017

Oak notes of smoke and baking spices dominate the nose. There are black fruit characteristics in the mouth, along with a rich, textured body. The tannins are still firm and a bit austere, while the acidity rounds out the wine, giving balance to the tannins and alcohol. Drinking now, but will benefit from furthering ageing of five to eight years.

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.

Dark lustrous crimson. Warm graphite and, it has to be said, strong Cabernet aromas. Very appetising and vigorous with fine tannins on the finish and no excess alcohol or oak. Extremely hedonistic without being sweet. Real focus. Awfully youthful. I'm about to decant it. But long and rich even though it finishes dry. Vibrant. Somehow seems more vigorous than many a fine red bordeaux. (JR)