Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia

Made with the same passion and attention to detail as Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is a true "second vin". A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot, it combines approachability and a depth of flavour with proven ageing potential.

2019

Wine Advocate 94: A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia shows a greater degree of focus and detail compared to the previous vintage that I tasted at the same time. This wine reveals the sharp contours and etched character of the Cabernet Franc, especially with black licorice and black pepper. The results are linear and pure. Elegant fruit notes of blackberry and dark currant add to the thick layering of the wine. I tasted this sample not long after bottling, and we can expect the wine to hit the market in September 2021.

James Suckling 95: Currants, sweet tobacco, walnut husk and flowers on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied, it grows on the palate, with firm yet polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Very solid and well-crafted second wine from Ornellaia. Drink after 2023.

2020

Wine Advocate 93: The Ornellaia 2020 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia (a proprietary blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is a generous and darkly toned red blend that has the extra fruit fiber, sweetness and generous plumpness of a warm vintage. The fullness of the fruit is on full display, but in a very relaxed and natural manner. The wine never feels like too much. The tannins are yielding and velvety, and this purebred Tuscan red wraps thickly over the palate. It's poised for near- and medium-term drinking.

James Suckling 93: Currants and bark with some cinnamon and flowers. Round and velvety with spice and chocolate as well as walnuts. Long and flavorful. 44% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot, and 13% cabernet franc.

2021

Wine Advocate 93: The 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a nicely extracted and rich blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This vintage is very generous, even opulent, with dark fruit that is framed by exotic spice, baking chocolate and softly toasted tones from French oak. The wine ends on a creamy note with vanilla and cinnamon.

James Suckling 94: A firm and linear red with currant, berry, chocolate and cedar character. It’s medium- to full-bodied. Fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s tight and focused. Energetic and bright. 50% merlot and 28% cabernet sauvignon and the rest split equally between petit verdot and cabernet franc.

Vinous 94: The 2021 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia packs a huge punch. Masses of dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, leather, licorice and cloves saturate the palate. I don’t remember a Serre Nuove with this much sheer power and somber intensity, but the balance is there, especially with aeration. It will be interesting to see how the 2021 develops. Today it is quite the powerhouse.