The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence.

The aromas of blackcurrants, fresh basil and thyme, as well as cedar and sandalwood are so attractive. It’s full-bodied and very linear with tight tannins that draw you down the length of this young wine. Wet-earth and cool-stone undertones. It’s solid and so structured. A classic Ornellaia for the cellar. Try after 2027.

Pure delicious fruit expression on the nose, the best and brightest black cherry aromas, so pure and defined. Supremely elegant with delicate perfume surrounding the rich fruit aromas with a dusting of vanilla and milk chocolate. Excellent tension on the palate - you feel this is so direct and pristine, the flavours just driving from start to finish in one straight push but with concentration and intensity. It's not so layered or expansive at this point but so well executed - you can feel the power. Tannins are grippy with ripe blackcurrants, a fleshy kind of texture to the palate with a hint of dry stoniness and salinity on the finish alongside liquorice and clove. So young and too young to drink but this has incredible depth, confidence and restraint. It's sleeping now. Drinking Window 2027 - 2045
Tasted by Georgina Hindle (at Joanne, Bordeaux, 17 Feb 2022)
Part of Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista 2019 label revealed

There is more emphasis on the Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2019 vintage, with the highest percentage in the past 20 years contributing to 62% of the blend. Leaning more into the red-fruited spectrum, the 2019 Ornellaia is outstanding in its balance between its richness and its tension, with layers of fresh menthol, macchia (the Tuscan equivalent of the French garrigue), redcurrant, and fresh roses. It is full bodied and long, with blackberry, plum, dusty earth, and long fruit on the finish. In contrast to the 2020, it has a more angular and direct nature, with powerful mineral richness and purity of fruit. Full and structured without lacking for elegance, it should come as no surprise that this will be a wine to cellar and go the distance over the coming decades. AF

This is a beautiful expression of coastal Tuscany and the sunny Mediterranean. The Ornellaia 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia (a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot) pours from the bottle with a specific darkness that has elements of both inky saturation and ruby highlights. The wine is saturated and rich—this is something you notice off the bat—but it also reveals a pleasing lightness or grace that is transmitted to both the bouquet and the palate. Dark fruit, pressed blackberry and plum mingle with more substantial aromas of spice, leather and sweetly cured tobacco. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine sports considerable heft and density on the palate that drives a very long and pleasurable mouthfeel. ML

The Ornellaia 2019 with 62% has the most Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend since the 65% used in the 2001 and 2002 vintages. It is bold and bright on the nose, full of joyful blackberry, cream, and sweet spice. It is very much like the 2016 Ornellaia in terms of finesse and harmony but bigger, bolder, more youthful, and maybe on a larger scale in terms of the brightness of aromas and flavors. On standing the nose becomes much more nuanced and fragrant with blue flowers like iris and violet. There is great concentration on the palate, but it is held together within a very elegant, tight structure. This is a powerful style of Ornellaia but with the 2019 the tannins are more refined than ever and there is a thrilling acidity enlivening the palate! According to Axel Heinz, Director of the Estate, "I think we have learned to tame the tannins.” This 2019 Ornellaia is a beautiful, luxurious, and vivacious wine. Susan Hulme MW Sept 2022 - The Wine Independent