Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2006

Dark ruby garnet with purple reflections and a subtly watery edge. A finely spiced nose of dark berries, ripe cherry and orange zest. Still quite restrained, but there's a touch of nougat in the background that emerges. The tightly meshed palate is juicy and complex, with a fine fruit sweetness and taut, well-integrated tannins. Sturdy and persistent, with a mineral finish, and secure ageing potential. A benchmark vintage with lots of tannin and plenty of acidity - in a word a textbook Italian experience.

The 2006 Ornellaia flows from the glass in a profound expression of ripe, dark fruit. With time in the glass layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak emerge, adding further complexity. This harmonious Ornellaia combines the richness of the vintage with superb freshness and awesome balance. Today the wine’s sheer density almost manages to hide the tannins, but they are there, and the wine will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar. The 2006 Ornellaia is one of the highlights of this sensational Tuscan vintage. (AG)

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is a gorgeous expression of the very best of European enology. It delivers extraordinary richness, succulence and intensity, but remains elegant to the end. Aromas include black cherry, spice and dark chocolate. *Cellar Selection*

Dark in color, showing loads of dark fruits on the nose, as well as licorice and berries and hints of mint and cedar. Full-bodied, with refined yet chewy tannins and a ripe berry, coffee and chocolate aftertaste. New wood barrels shine through. But it will all come together with bottle age. *Collectible* (JS)

Deep crimson. The funny thing is that this wine smells first and foremost Tuscan rather than like the Bordeaux blend that it is. A good thing! Very savoury with real tang and I could swear there was some Sangiovese in here. Zings with life but there is no obvious sweetness at all (cf its stablemate Masseto). Great, glamorous life and concentration. The alcohol is very well hidden. Tannins are clearly there but are all but completely hidden by the ripe but savoury fruit. The overall balance is definitely helped by the defiantly high acidity. Delicious young wine that should age beautifully. (JR)

Ornellaia 2006, dubbed ‘L'Esuberanza’, today expresses fresh and dried dark fruit aromas and even some green hints from the Cabernet Franc. Structured and saline, with fresh acidity and chalky tannins, it features a concentration of succulent, sapid blackcurranty fruit. A bolder Ornellaia, but classy nonetheless. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.