Winemaker Notes
Ornellaia 2008 represents one of the most classic expressions of the Bolgheri terroir. Fruit of a harvest thatwas low in quantity but high in concentration, its character reflects both the generous ripeness reached in thefirst ten days of September as well as the crisp, lively vibrancy encouraged by the cool, breezy days frommid-September through October. Its colour is remarkably intense and deep, while the nose offers stunninglyrich, ripe fruit tones, alongside the classic balsamic and tobacco notes with hints of Mediterranean herbs.The palate exhibits immense depth, complex and dense, with tannins that are powerful, but fine-grained,velvety, and racy, giving Ornellaia 2008 a sensation of impressive solidity. A vintage with good agingpotential.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Impressive nose of dark truffles, milk chocolate and blackberries. Full bodied, with lots of licorice and blackberries and truffles. Very long and intense. Goes on for minutes. This is amazing and firm, with a racy character. Best after 2016.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Ornellaia continues to blossom in the bottle. Dark cherries, chocolate, espresso, blackberries and mocha are just some of the many notes that explode from the glass. A rich tapestry of licorice, tar and camphor notes develop in the glass, adding considerable complexity. The 2008 is a huge, structured Ornellaia endowed with massive structure. It has come together beautifully since the early days when it was a tannic beast. Readers who can be patient will be rewarded with a spectacular bottle of wine. This is a fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033.
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Wine Spectator
Pure flavors of black cherry, blackberry and coffee are enmeshed in the dense texture of this red, which is polished and beautifully balanced, in an international style. Shows fine length. Best from 2014 through 2024.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
An outstanding wine region made famous by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines for his own consumption in 1940s on his San Guido estate, and called the resulting wine, Sassicaia. Today the region’s Tuscan reds are based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which can be made as single varietal wines or blends. The local Sangiovese can make up no more than 50% of the blends. Today Sassicaia has its own DOC designation within the Bogheri DOC appellation.