​Ornellaia was founded in 1981 undergoing several changes of ownership until it was taken over by the Frescobaldi family in 2005. Located near Bolgheri with around 192 hectares in total encompassing the vineyards, winery and the adjacent Bellaria property just North of Bolgheri. One of the driving forces of the Super Tuscan movement the estates Ornellaia, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is a seductive and evocative wine that won much praise from wine critics and drinkers alike with its impressive colour, concentration and intensity of aroma and flavour. 

The 2018 Ornellaia is an introvert at this stage. Medium in body, with terrific persistence and impeccable balance, the 2018 is not in any mood to show all its cards today. Hints of red berry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and dried flowers emerge with a bit of coaxing. I won’t be surprised to see it put on weight with more time in bottle. There is certainly plenty to look forward to. Readers should expect a silky, aromatic Ornellaia in line with vintages such as 2004 that are more about finesse than raw power. This is the first time in which Merlot drives the blend in Ornellaia. Drink: 2025-2040; Rating: 97 Points; Antonio Galloni; Vinous

So aromatic and complex with blackcurrants, blueberries, fresh violets and lavender on the nose. Some graphite and iodine, too. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins that are polished and refined, yet the palate is so long and refined. This is an Ornellaia with strength in elegance. Try after 2025. Rating: 97 Points; James Suckling

The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is complete and seamlessly stitched together with extreme care and precision. This is an almost technical blend of Merlot (at 50% of the blend for the first time), 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot that offers a true sense of wholeness and consistency that speaks to the blending expertise and experience of the winemaking team. Finding harmony among the various vinous components of the wine was especially important in this vintage that prized early-ripening grapes like Merlot over the others. Blackberry and dried cherry segue to spice, tar, campfire ash and more sweet fruit. We're off to a great start, and this vintage of Ornellaia is surely destined to flesh out and grow more complex with age. Date: May 2021; Drink: 2024-2045; Rating: 95 Points; Monica Larner; Robert Parker Wine Advocate