Tenuta Dell' Ornellaia Ornellaia 2019 Magnum

100 Points - The Wine Independent

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. (LPB)

97 Points - Decanter

A structured, graceful wine; the Giuseppe Verdi of Bolgheri for its concentration, density and controlled power. Bramble fruit and eucalyptus flavours are completed by clove, a touch of rose and balsamic chocolate depth, supported by dense woven tannins. There's huge mid-palate extraction and lifted yet moderate acidity. The finish is soaked with cassis, a whiff of bell pepper and blond tobacco, giving an amazing aftertaste. Despite the more moderate acidity of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 vintages - as reported by managing director Axel Heinz - with a tendency towards more sweetness than freshness, I personally find the return to the traditional higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (62% in 2019) a great option for Ornellaia. (AF)

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

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)