“Ornellaia” Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2022 · MAGNUM in OWC

Ornellaia | Tuscany
Ornellaia S.r.l. | Loc. Ornellaia 191 | IT 57022 Castagneto Carducci

09283422 · 1,5 l · 446,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

There are wines whose mere name gives you goose bumps. Ornellaia belongs to that rare category of growths that not only epitomise Italian iconography, but have also written global wine history. Ever since the legendary 1985 vintage, when Marchese Lodovico Antinori and visionary OenologistAndré Tchelistcheff realised the dream of a Mediterranean Bordeaux, this name has stood for uncompromising excellence. The 2022 vintage bears the motto "La Determinazione" – determination – and this characterisation could not be more apt for a vintage that demanded everything from both the vineyard team and the vines. The climatic conditions in 2022 presented a textbook challenge: The driest start to the vintage in the last four years, from February to June, coincided with the hottest period between May and September. Extremes that initially seemed to contradict each other. The prolonged drought slowed growth dramatically, leading to low yields and concentrated, small-berried grapes. But then came the saving rain in August and September – precisely timed to restore the balance that characterises great wines. The technical team, led at the time by Axel Heinz and Oenologist Olga Fusari, responded with rigorous selection: in the vineyard and twice again in the cellar. The result of this determination is a wine that combines the positive attributes of the sun with surprising freshness.

The blend shows an unusual constellation: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone, 25% Merlot provides richness, 10% Cabernet Franc finesse – and a remarkable 10% Petit Verdot, significantly more than in classic vintages. This grape variety proved to be a surprise success of the vintage and lengthens the wine, adding structure and that dark, almost mystical personality that characterises the 2022. The grapes come from over 70 plots in the two main vineyards, Ornellaia and Bellaria, whose complex soils are – marine-sedimentary, alluvial-loamy, volcanic-schistose – are vinified separately. Around 80 base wines are produced in this way before the final blend is made. Ageing for 18 months in French barriques, 70% of which are new, with deliberately different coopers, toast levels and woods from different forests, is crucial for the identity: "I don't want a wine from a single winery," emphasises Lamberto Frescobaldi. A further twelve months of bottle ageing follow.

Deep, almost black ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with expressive aromas: dark berry fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant, interwoven with polished cedar, vanilla, sweet tobacco and fine spice notes. Lavender, dark chocolate and a hint of graphite lend additional complexity, while balsamic accents and a salty minerality betray the wine's maritime origins. On the palate, voluminous power unfolds with aristocratic precision: the tannin structure is powerful yet silky, perfectly integrated into a generous, expansive body. Ripe dark fruit meets elegant acidity, which gives the wine vibrancy and tension despite its richness. The finish is long, savoury and remarkably persistent – a wine of global stature that impresses even in its youth, but will only realise its true potential over years of ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"The destiny of this vintage was titled: The spectacle begins with nuances of black berries, blood oranges, smoke and cedar wood; a perfect combination of powdery tannins and perfectly blended acidity then results in an opulently elegant work of art." Vinum

"Dark shimmering ruby violet colour. Memorable nose, presents itself with lots of juicy fruit, especially cassis and blueberry, with some smoky notes in the background. Fresh and surprisingly juicy on the palate, grippy, very well-integrated tannins, shows good tension, lingers for a very long time, a bottle that you simply love to empty!" Falstaff

"Broad and lush, this red reveals ripe flavors of black currant, black cherry and blackberry shaded with cedar, iron and sweet spices. Balanced, with a few youthful edges that still need polishing. Its fine core of saturated fruit persists on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Featuring a hefty 10% of Petit Verdot this year for an injection of freshness and structure, Ornellaia 2022 is rich, deep and tightly coiled, with some pretty red fruits and floral notes overlaying dark, juicy berries. It's a dense style which reflects the vintage but looks towards harmony and poise: the woody frame and fine, structural tannins are countered by very good acidity and a bright fruit profile, with some breezy herbs helping to lift the long, fresh finish. Give this some more time in the bottle before enjoying." Decanter

"The 2022 Ornellaia is a terrific wine for the year. Dark red-toned fruit, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice all take shape in a mid-weight, pliant Ornellaia that is quite alluring, even in the early going. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, unusual for the elevated presence of Petit Verdot, which did better than Franc in 2022. The higher percentage of Petit Verdot comes through in the wine’s dark-leaning personality and also in the quality of tannins. More than anything else, the 2022 is a reminder of how important a tool blending is, especially in challenging years. I can’t wait to see how this ages. The 2022 Ornellaia is clearly among the most successful wines of the vintage." Vinous

"The 2022 vintage will be remembered for its full-bodied appeal, concentrated fruit and generous oak renderings. Petit Verdot plays a slightly larger role in this vintage and was one of the surprise hits of 2022. It serves to elongate the wine and adds to its length. The wine's abundant fruit weight cedes to elegantly integrated tannins. This vintage will appeal to die-hard Ornellaia enthusiasts." Wine Advocate

"A Mediterranean-style wine. Stunning elegance on the nose, with vibrant dried eucalyptus leaves, flowers, restrained brambleberries and hints of black cherries, dried bananas, milk chocolate, cloves and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with elegant tannins and a touch of dust. It’s savory and well packed, with integrated, brilliant freshness and a ripe, fruity finish with a toasty aftertaste of blond tobacco." James Suckling