By the time this trio of wines were released, the long-time winemaker Axel Heinz had already departed to take up a CEO position at Chateau Lascombes in Margaux, Bordeaux, after nearly 20 years of overseeing production at this iconic Italian estate. Leaving in March 2023, Axel said he heard his calling to return to France, having been born in Germany but raised in France for much of his life.
Beginning his journey with Ornellaia in 2005, Axel Heinz was instrumental in leading the estate to new heights of quality and status, as well as overseeing the construction of the new Masseto winery and the launch of its successful second label, Massetino. But starting from January 2024, a new team was put into place, with Marco Balsimelli, who ironically just returned home to Italy from Bordeaux after 17 years, placed in charged as director of production at Ornellaia. Gaia Cinnirella was appointed the new winemaker for Masseto and Denise Cosentino the new winemaker for Ornellaia, replacing outgoing Olga Fusari.
The 2021 vintage started with a mild yet rainy winter that enabled the water resources in the soil to be replenished. After a dry March, budbreak occurred in the first fortnight of April. The gradual rise in temperatures and normal rainfall allowed the shoots to develop evenly before flowering in superb conditions towards the end of May. Summer fully arrived in June with temperatures slightly above average and an almost total absence of rain, resulting in veraison in the last week of July. The dry spell continued throughout August and September, but the spring rain and our estate’s deep soils allowed the vines to avoid overly intense water stress, creating the conditions for small, highly concentrated grapes with exceptional potential in terms of quality. September was hot and sunny, devoid of rainfall, which provided for an “à la carte” harvest to convey the maximum quality potential of each vineyard. The red grapes were harvested mostly in September, with Merlot within the first fortnight, and other varieties of the estate from 13 September onwards, ending on 1 October.
Ornellaia Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2021, IGT Toscana Rosso, 14% Abv.
The Le Volte 2021 is a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon and offers up rich, dark, earthy aromatics full of bramble berries, tilled earth, black currant, black cherry and delicately leafy black plum nuances. The ripeness is full throttle with hints of sweet molasses, macerated black cherries and stewed black berries, but there is still freshness and acid lift with hints of tangy balsamic and hoisin plum sauce on the finish. This is undoubtedly a big, bold, accessible expression for the vintage.
(Wine Safari Score: 90+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
Ornellaia Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2021, DOC Bolgheri Rosso, 14.5% Abv.
A more archetypal Bolgheri Rosso, this is a rich blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and displays aromatics of savoury black cherry, black plum, and notes of sweet sappy cedar oak and subtle graphite minerality. Full and plush in the mouth, the mid palate is dense, opulent and fleshy, boasting dark savoury fruits, Christmas spices, cinnamon, vanilla pod, creamy plush mineral tannins and a long black berry and black cherry fruited finish. Another powerful wine embracing a riper, bolder, more accessible vintage style. A wine that normally drinks at its best 8 to 10 years from vintage.
(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2021, DOC Bolgheri Rosso, 15% Abv.
A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, this is another impressive Ornellaia Grand Vin release that embraces the riper, more opulent elements of the vintage, which are expertly managed as only Ornellaia are so adept at doing. There is impressive depth and perfume with aromatics of pressed violets, kirsch liquor, creme de cassis, and cherry compote combined subtle hints of freshly tilled earth. In the mouth, the wine opens its shoulders, full and glycerol, coating the palate with chalky tannins, sweet mediterranean herbs, and rich velvety black fruits complemented by well integrated, soft harmonious acids. Plenty of depth and breadth combined with power, intensity but also balance. A very generous vintage for the estate.
(Wine Safari Score: 97+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
The wines of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia are imported into the UK by Maison Marques et Domaines (MMD).