▴ Ornellaia 2018
Ornellaia 2018, Bolgheri DOC Superiore Rosso
Just released, the 2018 Ornellaia is lighter than usual, due to a cooler vintage and one of the wettest Springs in history. The blend is 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It has the highest proportion of Merlot ever used in the blend. Ever since the release of the 2006 vintage, an internationally famous contemporary artist has been commissioned to create a work of art for the estate as well as a series of limited-edition labels, inspired by the character of the vintage. The character for 2018 is “La Grazia” an expression of grace and beauty. Belgian artist Jan Fabre created a series of three striking sculptures made from coral to top three Salmanazars (9 Litres) as well as a set of 10 labels. A charity auction at Sotheby’s taking place in September 2021 will offer one of the Salmanazars on which one of the coral sculptures sits. “La Grazia” is an appropriate name for the vintage; there is a restrained elegance and subtlety to the wine, which is bright ruby in colour, and it delivers layers of dark fruits mixed with spice and pepper. The overall impression is one of harmony, everything in kilter, a wine of quiet intrigue.
Price £150 – £170 a bottle
US stockists: Vinfolio
Review Feb 2021, SK