“Ornellaia” Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2022

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

09282222 · 0,75 l · 345,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Limitation of 6 articles per customer

There are wines whose very name gives you goosebumps. Ornellaia belongs to that rare category of wines that not only embody Italian iconography but have also made their mark on global wine history. Ever since that legendary 1985 vintage, when Marchese Lodovico Antinori, together with the visionary OenologistAndré Tchelistcheff, turned the dream of a Mediterranean Bordeaux into reality, this name has stood for uncompromising excellence. The 2022 vintage bears the motto "La Determinazione" – determination – and this description 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 challenge straight out of the textbook: the driest start to the vintage in the last four years, from February to June, was followed by the hottest spell between May and September. Extremes that initially seemed to contradict one another. The prolonged drought slowed growth dramatically, resulting in low yields and concentrated, small-berried grapes. But then came the saving rain in August and September – perfectly 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 then 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 presents an unusual combination: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone, 25% Merlot provides body, 10% Cabernet Franc adds finesse – and a remarkable 10% Petit Verdot, significantly more than in classic vintages. This grape variety proved to be the vintage's surprise success, adding length to the wine, structure and that dark, almost mystical character that distinguishes the 2022 vintage. The grapes come from over 70 plots across the two main vineyards, Ornellaia and Bellaria, whose complex soils – marine-sedimentary, alluvial-loamy and volcanic-schist – are vinified separately. Around 80 base wines are thus produced before the final blend is made. Ageing for 18 months in French barriques – 70% of which are new – from deliberately varied coopers, with different toasting levels and wood sourced from various forests, is crucial to the wine's identity: "I don't want a wine from a single cooperage," emphasises Lamberto Frescobaldi. This is followed by a further twelve months of bottle ageing.

A deep, almost black ruby red with violet highlights. The nose opens with expressive aromas: dark berry fruit, blackberry and blackcurrant, interwoven with polished cedarwood, vanilla, sweet tobacco and subtle spicy notes. Lavender, dark chocolate and a hint of graphite lend further complexity, whilst balsamic notes and a salty minerality betray its maritime origins. On the palate, voluminous power unfolds with aristocratic precision: the tannic structure is powerful yet silky, perfectly integrated into a generous, expansive body. Ripe dark fruit meets elegant acidity, which lends the wine liveliness and tension despite its richness. The finish is long, spicy and remarkably persistent – a wine of world-class calibre that impresses even in its youth, yet will only realise its true potential after years of ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"The description of this vintage reads: The spectacle begins with hints of blackcurrants, blood oranges, smoke and cedar; a perfect combination of powdery tannins and perfectly integrated acidity then results in an opulent and elegant work of art." Vinum

"Open fruit, dark, with hints of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries, followed by dried blueberries, a touch of liquorice and spices. A powerful wine with an excellent balance between fruit and structure, vibrant, with very fine tannins, long and promising." Weinwisser

"A dark, shimmering ruby-violet colour. A memorable nose, presenting plenty of juicy fruit, particularly blackcurrant and blueberry, with slightly smoky notes in the background. Fresh and astonishingly juicy on the palate, with firm, very well-integrated tannins; it shows good structure and has a very long finish – a bottle you simply love to finish!" Falstaff

"This full-bodied and opulent red wine displays ripe aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries and blackberries, accompanied by notes of cedarwood, iron and sweet spices. It is well-balanced, with a few youthful edges that still need smoothing out. Its delicate core of rich fruit lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Ornellaia, to which 10% Petit Verdot has been added this year to lend it freshness and structure, is rich, brooding and dense, with lovely red fruit and floral notes that complement dark, juicy berries. It is a dense style that reflects the vintage, yet is focused on harmony and balance: the oaky framework and the fine, structural tannins are balanced by excellent acidity and a bright fruit profile, with some airy herbal notes enlivening the long, fresh finish. Allow this wine a little more time in the bottle before enjoying it." Decanter

"The 2022 Ornellaia is an outstanding wine for this year. Dark red fruits, mocha, new leather, liquorice and spices come together in a medium-bodied, supple Ornellaia that is instantly seductive. The blend consists of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. What is unusual is the high proportion of Petit Verdot, which developed better than Cabernet Franc in 2022. The higher proportion of Petit Verdot is reflected in the wine's dark character and also in the quality of the tannins. More than anything else, the 2022 serves as a reminder of how important a blend is, particularly in challenging vintages. I can't wait to see how it ages. The Ornellaia 2022 is undoubtedly one of the most successful wines of the vintage." Vinous

"The 2022 vintage will be remembered for its full-bodied character, concentrated fruit and generous oak notes. Petit Verdot plays a slightly greater role in this vintage and was one of the surprise hits of 2022. It serves to lengthen the wine and enhance its finish. The wine's rich fruitiness gives way to elegantly integrated tannins. This vintage will appeal to die-hard Ornellaia enthusiasts." Wine Advocate

"A Mediterranean-style wine. Remarkable elegance on the nose, with lively notes of dried eucalyptus leaves, flowers, subtle blackberries and hints of black cherries, dried bananas, milk chocolate, cloves and graphite. On the palate, it is full-bodied with elegant tannins and a hint of dust. It is flavourful and well-structured, with integrated, brilliant freshness and a ripe, fruity finish with a toasty aftertaste of blond tobacco." James Suckling