At a glance

Producer

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Region

Bolgheri DOC Rosso, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Merlot (54%), Cabernet Sauvignon (28%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Petit Verdot (4%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$100

Tasting profile

Red and black cherry, plum, cassis, with hints of cedar, tobacco leaf, and minerality; polished tannins and a silky finish

Evolution: Over the next 5-10 years, expect tertiary notes of leather, forest floor, and earth to develop while fruit softens

At peak: Complex layered aromas, fine-grained tannins, elegant texture with sustained length

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high acidity, providing freshness and aging support

Tannins

Medium to medium-plus, fine-grained and ripe

Alcohol

Approximately 14.0%-14.5%

Aging potential

15-20 years total from vintage; excellent bottle aging thanks to structured tannins and balanced acidity

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2051

Optimal window

2024 to 2054

Current status

Drinking well with good development but has aging potential

Current condition

Shows balanced fruit, integrated tannins, and ripe structure; approachable but will gain complexity

The vintage 2019 benefits from excellent weather conditions in Bolgheri, with ripe tannins and vibrant acidity. This allows for a 15-20 year aging window, with peak drinkability starting 5 years after vintage as the tannins soften and tertiary complexity emerges.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted lamb, beef stew, game meats, aged hard cheeses, and dishes with herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (60-90 minutes) — To allow the structured tannins and complex aromas to open up for a smoother palate

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Includes water conservation techniques, solar energy use at estate, integrated pest management, minimal chemical intervention, and packaging reduction strategies.

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia integrates sustainability into its viticulture and winemaking, emphasizing environmental stewardship. While not fully certified organic or biodynamic, their adaptive water use, renewable energy, and ecological vineyard practices merit a strong sustainability rating.