Ornellaia Bolgheri 2004 750ml

This is a hopelessly gorgeous wine with so much energy, intensity, density and good cheer. The superb ensemble—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot—delivers chocolate fudge, ripe cherry, rhubarb, cola, tobacco and cedar wood. It's tight and supple, with seamless harmony and excellent succulence on the finish. But it's that incredible intensity that truly sets this wine apart. (Cellar Selection)

Racy. Subtle aromas of berries and currants, with hints of fresh herbs. Very refined and full, with silky yet firm tannins. Harmonious. Drink or hold.

The 2004 Ornellaia (magnum) has always been a beautiful wine, but stylistically it stands out quite a bit from other vintages of this era, something that is particularly evident in this tasting. The 2004 is perhaps the most delicate, feminine Ornellaia ever made. Silky tannins frame a perfumed core of ripe fruit all the way through to the sublime finish. The wine's inner fragrance, sweetness and balance are all impeccable. The 2004 remains one of my all-time favorite Ornellaias, and it is firing on all cylinders on this night. In 2004 the growing season was long and even, with a cool early summer and warmer late summer. Yields were on the high side, as the vines released the stored energy they had held in reserve from the previous year, which required the estate to aggressively green harvest in order to keep the plants in balance. The 2004 Ornellaia is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The relatively high percentage of Cabernet Franc may explain the 2004's gorgeous, vivid bouquet. The wine spent a total of 18 months in oak (70% new) prior to being bottled.

Tasted at the Margaret River Cabernet tutorial. Very deep, almost opaque black/garnet colour. It has a very intense, deep nose, dark berried fruits, a touch of plum, some high quality oak here lending it a slight malt biscuit quality. Wonderful lift and fragrance. The palate is full-bodied with superb acidity, very fine tannins, black fruits, a touch of tar and allspice, hint of nutmeg, vibrant and vigorous towards the finish. Sumptuous and decadent... Ornellaia then! Drink 2014-2025+.