Ornellaia, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 1990

A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, this Ornellaia has been one of my favourite Super-Tuscans ever since I first tasted in blind almost a decade ago. A very deep colour. The nose remains stubbornly backward considering its age, but left in the glass to breath, it develops some gorgeous ripe plum, cassis and glycerin notes. The palate is medium-bodied with that lush, silky, sensuous texture; essentially a Bordeaux with Mediterranean exoticism. It has an irresistible sense of purity with rounded lush black fruits, black olive and even a touch of honey on the long finish. An outstanding wine. Drink now-2020+.Tasted May 2008.

The 1990 Ornellaia (magnum) foreshadows an opulent style that would become the norm in future years. A rich, dense Ornellaia, the 1990 offers exceptional balance in its expressive bouquet, ripe fruit and beautifully balanced acidity. Earthiness, licorice, smoke and menthol linger on the elegant finish. In 1990 temperatures were unusually warm toward the end of the growing season, which comes through in the wine’s generous, open personality. The 1990 Ornellaia is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The wine spent 15 months in French oak, 40% of which was new. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.

Very dark crimson – even slightly purple. Doesn’t look terrifically mature. Very ripe and explosive on the nose. Broad and sweet and very obviously sweet Cabernet. Slightly dusty tannins on the finish. Not unlike a 1990 red bordeaux. Quite mineral. 13% CS:M:CF 82:14:4 78,000 bottles