Ornellaia Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC 2011

Der Weinjahrgang 2011 in der Toskana gilt als insgesamt gut bis sehr gut. Trotz einiger Herausforderungen, wie Regen während der Wachstumsperiode und einem heißen Sommer, gelang es den Winzern, überzeugende Qualitäten zu erzielen. Besonders der Herbst war mit seinen warmen Tagen und kalten Nächten eine wahre Wohltat für die meisten Trauben und so konnte eine große Menge an physiologisch reifen und gesunden Trauben geerntet werden.

Der Ornellaia des Jahrgangs 2011 zeigt sich in einem dunklen, intensiven Granatrot und verströmt ein komplexes Bukett nach reifen dunklen Beeren, Pflaumen, dazu Anklänge nach dunkler Schokolade und einer leichten Minznote. Am Gaumen ist der Wein vollmundig und samtig, Schattenmorelle und Cassis, mit Noten nach Teer und Leder, dazu ein gut integriertes, breitschultriges Tannin.

Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, tiefer Kern, violette Reflexe, zarter Wasserrand. Feinwürzig, schwarzes Beerenkonfit, floraler Touch, ein Hauch von Nougat, dunkle Mineralität. Elegant, rote Beeren, frische Kirschen, präsente, gut integrierte Tannine, markantes Säuregerüst, salziger Nachhall, kräuterwürziger Touch im Rückgeschmack, Babymord, mit Nougat im Rückgeschmack. Falstaff

Another dark, intense wine, the 2011 Ornellaia boasts superb depth, richness and power. Here, too, the 2011 has tightened up quite a bit over the last six months. Today, the searing tannins are quite prominent, giving the 2011 an element of gravitas and muscle that argues for cellaring. How long? I am not sure, but the 2011 is built for the long haul. Savory herbs, new leather, menthol and cloves resonate on the huge finish. Antonio Galloni

In this vintage the Cabernet Sauvignon, with much concentration, was harvested at the end of September. Yields were below the average of 35-40 hl/ha, at 29hl/ha. 'The 2011 was an oversize vintage, warm yet more balanced here on the coast. In theory, it has the balance for ageing,' says winemaker Axel Heinz. The wine is indeed full of sweet fruit, candied banana, leather and tobacco, with a nutmeg finish. It's youthful, mineral and savoury on the palate, showing velvety tannins with a grainy, ripe finish and some austerity for ageing. Decanter

A dark, inky red, featuring violet, black currant, cedar, sandalwood and iron aromas and flavors. Nonetheless, this comes across as elegant, even as the tannins prove formidable on the finish. A terrific young wine in the making. Wine Spectator

The 2011 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia lives up to the legacy of this important wine, thanks to its extreme intensity and its skillfully crafted bouquet. The excellent quality of fruit stands clear, despite the heat of the vintage, with pristine notes of dark cherry, exotic spice and chocolate. This expression of Ornellaia is composed of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. The results are nothing short of exuberant and this vintage will reward both those who decided to drink it early, as well as those who have the patience to wait. The only slight ruffle in this otherwise gorgeous presentation is the 2011 tannin that feels a touch aggressive. For that reason, its probably better to put the wine aside in your cellar. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Fully saturated ruby. Reticent aromas of deep black fruits and spices complemented by menthol, grilled herbs and vanillin oak. Dense, sweet and powerful but still quite primary, conveying a distinctly high pitch to its ripe black cherry, violet and coffee flavors. Finishes saline, tannic and very long, with impressive muscle and noteworthy medicinal reserve. A huge but very successful Ornellaia that I would have scored even higher had it showed even more length. Ian D' Agata

Another impressive effort from the celebrated Ornellaia estate. It opens with aromas of black berries, plum, blue flower and hints of balsamic herbs. The rich palate delivers a core of fleshy black cherry accented with notes of licorice, black pepper and mocha alongside bracing but refined tannins. It’s still young so give it time to fully develop. Wine Enthusiast

A bit of a monster with dark chocolate and cherry fruits. An assertive, bold wine with oak served up in thick slices, topped with slightly jammy cassis and blackberry. Forthright, bold and dense; very showy and boldly engineered. James Suckling

Dark lustrous crimson. Warm graphite and, it has to be said, strong Cabernet aromas. Very appetising and vigorous with fine tannins on the finish and no excess alcohol or oak. Extremely hedonistic without being sweet. Real focus. Awfully youthful. I'm about to decant it. But long and rich even though it finishes dry. Vibrant. Somehow seems more vigorous than many a fine red bordeaux. Jancis Robinson