Incredibly dark and concentrated, this 2008 seems to be the product of another decade compared to the style of the previous vintages. Meaty and full of prunes on the nose, with earthy, camphor and glue stick tones, this Merlot-dominated blend is full and rich, smooth and weighted, with heat on the finish balanced by mature acidity. However, the vintage - not only the style - influenced the wine with an intense heat during the summer and almost no rain, along with a very satisfactory ripening process, since the cool nights favoured the development of aromas and deep colour. The cool northerly Tramontana wind, essential for outstanding vintages such as 2016 in Tuscany, was particularly beneficial to late-ripening grape varieties and their tannins. Drinking Window 2019 - 2035
Tasted by Aldo Fiordelli (at Le Serre Nuove 20th Anniversary tasting, Milan, 26 Nov 2019)
Part of Is Le Serre Nuove Italy's best second wine?

The 2008 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is drop-dead gorgeous. Mocha, smoke, tar, grilled herbs and black fruit emerge from the glass, followed by a dense core of fruit, all wrapped around a firm, tannic frame. The finish is intense and very much closed in on itself at this stage. Once again, Le Serre Nuove is simply fabulous. Sometimes I think it may be too good, as the rationale for paying the premium for Ornellaia doesn’t make any sense at all when the second wine is this outstanding. The 2008 is a Serre Nuove that will need another few years in bottle for the tannins to soften, but its potential seems clear at this stage. It is every bit as impressive as it was when I tasted it for the first time last year. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate)

Offers so much on the nose, with cassis, currant and blueberry aromas. Full-bodied, with juicy, velvety tannins and a very long finish. A lovely combination of ripe fruit and toasty oak. Best after 2011. — JS