2023 New Year's Day Double Blind Tasting: Served blind. At bottle #14 in the night, my palate was wrecked. All I can say about this wine is that it is very well made and I enjoyed it but can't say much more than that. When am I going to learn to use the spit bucket at one of these events?
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The one with Big Reds #3 (The Sail): Intense florals with purple inky fruits, licorice and kirsh dominating both the bouquet and palate. Slightly imbalanced and disjointed for me with overtly high and piercing acidity. I am not sure if this was a flawed bottle although it did not seem so.
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Deep garnet red. Lots of blackberry blueberry a bit of plum some licorice and chocolate Very complex and elegant. Full bodied with fine tannins and very long finish
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À son apogée à mon avis. Les tannins sont assez fondus, les arômes sont complexes avec des notes de cuir, de terre. Accompagne à merveille une belle pièce de boeuf grillée. Par contre, après le repas, le taux d’alcoolémie de 14,5% lui nuit car il s’alourdit un peu et semble un peu pataud lorsque bu seul. Un style bordelais qui traîne un peu de la patte face aux cousins français.
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Dinner at Teatro celebrating in-laws’ 50th anniversary. I would have really enjoyed sipping this bottle at home on my own, but this was a legit occasion to share with the whole family. Minimal decant. Gorgeous deep ruby colour. Soft ripe red fruit with herbs, chocolate, leather on the nose, perfectly balanced. Plush mouthfeel with resolved tannins. Medium-long finish. Scores around the table ranged from 92-98: In the words of my articulate father-in-law, “this is pretty good!” P. S. Looking forward to sharing that bottle of ‘01 with #1or#2.
At a restaurant. Popped and poured, and drank over 30 minutes. Very well made wine, and the nose on this thing was singing. Ready to go now, but will hold longer. Delicious in any case.
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Really nice showing - still has some room to improve. Ripe plum, red cherry, balanced and flat out delicious. The consistency of Ornellaia always amazes me.
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Classic Ornellaia nose (beautiful fruit, some cherry, dark berries, leather), but lighter body than 01 and 04, not quite as well integrated as the 98, but still a pretty nice bottle of wine.
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Beautiful floral driven nose with mature dark cherries and plums, anise, and chocolate
Body is medium with nice structure and mature acidity due to the merlot, a dryness from tannins and and a finish that is long with an unattractive dryness.
In early part of prime drinking window though not sure the slightly dryish tannins relax further at this point. Merlot definitely saves this wine as without I think the Cab from this vintage would be quite harsh.
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C'est bon mais en ce moment, je ne vois pas comment ça peut valoir le prix. Les tannins et l'acidité s'atténuent en carafe, mais ça demeure costaud, chocolaté et primaire.
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From a very pretty magnum, decanted for a good hour. Crumbly cork but no issues with the wine and actually very consistent with a year ago or so ( Papies 92) when we had it from the great cellar of Rekondo in San Sebastián. Solid very much healthy and brooding wine, lots of dark fruit, a lot of merlot feel here. Much like Sassicaia great producers made great wine in 2002 . Sassicaia 2002 is a better wine ( Papies 93-94) softer and more leathery while this Ornellaia is darker, more dark fruit and oak feel. Maybe they pushed it a bit more during its elevage. Still a solid 92 and drinks very well now
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We had 2 bottles - both fantastic. Brick color - no signs of aging on the edge of the glass. Absolutely fabulous nose; Chocolate, red and back berries, even hints of menthol and eucalyptus. Some other comments below suggesting to drink up/ over the top. I would disagree. This is drinking perfectly now. Quite a few years left in this beauty...if you can wait that long. You will enjoy it now!
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The Return to San Sebastian; 5/17/2019-5/18/2019 (San Sebastian, Spain): 2002 is not the most obvious of Bolgheri vintages but as we are great lovers of the 2002 Sassicaia ( Papies 93-94) we cherished the opportunity to try the Ornellaia 02 especially fromt he great cellar of Rekondo, San Sebastian. Dark fruited, soft spice, a lot more substance here from the Sassicaia, a lot less evolved and touch on the reserved side. Where the Sassicaia 02 is frull of charm and evolution, this is more "powerful" and a touch one dimensional in a way. Still silky, soft tannin and with good healthy fruit. Solid 91-92 wine and drinks very well now.
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Drank alongside the 2001 which was the best wine for the day, and the gulf showed. Caveat that there may be fatigue as it is one of the last of 14 bottles tasted. Chocolaty, black berries, slight liquorice. Felt the intensity but somehow not the complexity. Was hoping it would develop but it stayed close. Warm finish with slight bitterness. I would give it a second try, but was not impressed on this day.
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BU avec les FOUDUVINS de Sherbrooke, René, Claude, Olivier, Mike LM et FrançoisD… c’était pour fêter les 50 ans de notre ami François D au resto AVV La Suite! Fait de 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot et 5% Cabernet Franc. Plus musclé et corsé que les 2 Bordeaux. Au nez herbes et épices avec du tabac et de la terre. En bouche, c’est rond et généreux. Du cassis et des cerises avec du poivre sur des tannins serrés et une finale longue et vaporeuse. Très bon.
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- Brick color - Absolutely fabulous. Tannins shed after only a few minutes in the glass. This is drinking perfectly now I do not think it has many years left but if you have this then you will enjoy now
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Slow O'd for about 6 hours, then poured into a decanter to remove sediment. Cork was in great condition and very tight.
Dark impenetrable purple with no signs of aging. Nose had plenty of dark chocolate, blackberries, menthol and eucalyptus.
Bitter chocolate, dark fruits and vanilla oak and pretty tannic. Tannins settled as the night progressed as did the bitter chocolate with more blackberries and raisins coming out. Could have done better if decanted overnight as this wine was tasting super young particularly at this age for this vintage. Finish was long and had me wanting more.
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Sometimes lightning does strike twice--having tasted the 2002 Ornellaia last year, a wine I didn’t expect to be impressed by, and here we are again. The nose on the 2002 is giving and alluring with pretty floral tones up front, followed by sweet cherry, apple, and with time, turning savory and spicy. On the palate, I found silky, soft textures with notes of rich cherry sauce, plum, currant, and sweet spice. The finish was long and soft with a lasting impression of ripe red fruits and fig. Is there a hint of heat? Maybe just a little; but still, it is just stunning.
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Dark ruby. Moccha, plums, dark cherries and chocolate on the nose. Medium-bodied, round, good concentration, balance and length. Excellent for a wine from an off-vintage.
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Première fois avec ce vin. Sti qui m'énerve Jo.Toujours avec un vin racoleur qui va me plaire à tout coup. Crowd pleasure certain.De la vanilllllle de crème en glace en bouche.Pas vraiment boisé et tout beau, Un vin avec un noeud papillon .Il est prêt à sortir.Tout beau et fringuant. Tout jeune le petit criss et il va se rendre loin dans la vie.Belle fraicheur. Je croyais à du Sassi 2012...Quel con..Bravo Francis pour le call. 17/20 ++
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Super Toscan, dans tous les sens du terme! Magnifique couleur rubis moyennement brillant. Nez incroyable sur les fruits rouges et noirs, traces de fumée, de cuir. La bouche est superbe de finesse et de concentration. L'acidité est présente pour apporter l'équilibre. Longue finale. A maturité avec des années de réserve.
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Drank at Ornellaia event. Garnet color, starting to show some age in glass. Sweet fruit in the nose, along with a bit of leather & perhaps a tad of wood. Fairly decent fruit level, but I found this wine to more dominated by its earthiness, along with tobacco, barnyard & some leather or tar. Drinking better than I (or most others) expected, and definitely an enjoyable wine, but not in the same class as most other vintages.
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not the most integrated ornellaia I have ever had, but pretty darn good with nuanced dark fruit , coffee ,forest floor great length too opened 1 hour before drinking and tasted alongside 2010
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From magnum, decanted 1hr than back into bottle 3hrs. Poured from bottle. Sweet perfumed nose of dark berries. Super smooth tannins with velvety mouth feel and persistent though slightly warm finish, 14.5% by vol. Palette is filled with kirsch, stewed dark fruit, spices and a hint of vanilla. Beautiful and completely in balance at the moment!
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Really nice. Medium garnet. On the nose the wine has pronounced aromas of sweet dark red fruit, dark cherries, plum, integrated vanilla, leather, spice. On the palate the wine is dry, with high refreshing acidity. The alcohol is integrated and the high levels of tannins are soft, smooth and silky. It has a medium+ body, pronounced flavour intensity (same as aromas) and a long finish. This is an outstanding wine with all components in balance - the developed fruit, the acidity, the alcohol and the tannins. The finish is long and gives an excellent lasting feel. The intensity of the flavours and aromas are full and pronouced, and the wine reveals a nice complexity of developed aromas and flavours.
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Funky Bordeaux-like nose with a scent of brettanomyces, ripe plums and mocha. Expansive on the palate, sweet tannins, fine acidity, similar flavors than on the nose with also some cassis, Bordeaux-like flavors but the slightly oxidized plum fruit has too much sweetness for Bordeaux, great oak integration, tobacco and sandalwood, velvety mouthfeel and great length, it seems to gain weight on the palate. Excellent well-balanced wine, especially in the context of the vintage. Ready for drinking now. - 92 points
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Dégustation GEEU chez Enrico (Geneva): Non décanté mais ouvert environ 2 heures avant de déguster. Superbe! A l'aveugle, on était parti sur un Bordeaux... Très jolie couleur rubis foncé, encore brillant. Nez d'une magnifique finesse sur les arômes floraux, sur les fruits rouges, avec une touche de fumée. En bouche, le vin est tout aussi fin, distingué, avec une belle complexité. A boire sans se presser.
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Powerful concentration. Red cherry, plums, dark fruit and currants. Sandalwood with spice and tobacco. Silk smooth tannins and well structured. Can still improve.
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Bricking dark red violet color; maturing, tobacco, cedar, tart currant, sandalwood nose; mature, red currant, tart plum, sweet tobacco, cedar, mint palate with polished, sweet tannins; medium-plus finish
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Kleur: granaatrood met een lichte bruinkleuring aan de rand, mooie volle neus van zwarte bes, tabak, leer en aarde. Smaak iets kruidig, rood en zwart fruit, leer met een mooie balans, zachte tannine, iets minder geconcentreerd dan gehoopt. Afdronk lang. Denk dat de wijn nu op zijn best is. Gedronken als begeleider van een tournedos met pepersaus.
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Stor ljuvlig doft av mörk frukt, rökighet, mörk choklad och torkade plommon. Sträv smak av plommon, mörk choklad, nypon, komplex, utvecklad med lagom sandiga tanniner som nu slipats ner till perfekt nivå. Lång och fyllig eftersmak. Enastående!
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Comparison tasting between the 2002 and the 2009 vintages, like Stefanos T. review below, although the lesser rated and cited to have the lesser aging potential, this 2002 was the wine most ready to drink now and was far more expressive and expansive of the two. Garnet colored, full bodied, complex, smooth and elegant with black berry fruits, tone of mocha and cola with layer of leather, coffee and olive tapenade turning to smooth soft tannins on the finish. Tasted almost like a mature Bordeaux.
Part of our Taste of Italy wine dinner - http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/11/taste-of-italy-gala-italian-wine-dinner.html
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Delicious wine, beautiful clear red with brownish rim wine. Nose of black fruits and plums, taste of forest fruits with soft tannines . Very pleasant in combination with lamb's 'ossobuco'
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Dark ruby/garnet colour, very limited fading (nor residue) Nose of forest and forest fruits, wild strawberries, black cherries, plums, mushrooms, autumn herbs, rosemary High alcohol, medium tannins: well integrated, smooth by now, medium acidity; medium length, which was the only real drawback This wine is probably at its peak: good balance of fruitiness and integrated tannins; drink soon
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Among the 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009 wines tasted on this Oinokosmos' Ornellaia vertical 2002 although the weakest in terms of aging potential, was the wine most ready to drink now and it was delectable! Medium garnet colored with a nose fully developed, expessive and full of complexity with sweet black fruit, leather, coffee, olive tapenade, dried leaves, earth and floral aromas. Palate is very soft, maybe not as concentrated as the other vintages but open, friendly and fully surrendered with a slight tannic grip and flavors of chocolate, balsamic notes and black fruit. Very much like a right-bank mature Bordeaux.
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Garnet in apperance with a feminine nose of medium intensity and a splash of volatility. Fading on palate with astrigent tannins and slightly warm alcohol. For immediate consumption.
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(Tenuta dell' Ornellaia vertical by Oenocosmos) Evolved grenache color. The nose is quite evolved as well, reminding of olives, earth notes (rings Xinomavro bells!!!) In the mouth the wine feels completely round, the tannins are very soft, balanced with much of a future ahead, it seems and feels at its peak. The acidity remains a bit longer, lacks body, medium aftertaste with a rather dilluted feeling.
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Opened, decanted and drank over 1 hour. I really liked this wine. Earthy, silky texture with a medium finish. Great open nose and enjoyable to drink. Plenty of life ahead.
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Very dark purple red violet color; lovely, tart berry spicy, black fruit, black plum, baked berry nose; tasty, rich but poised ripe and tart berry, black fruit, black fig palate with plush tannins; could use 3 years but appealing nose; medium-plus finish
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The bottle did gain quite a bit of weight over the two hours of decanting. Cigar, dark coco, dark berries, and rather focused. Oak was not completely integrated yet and tannins are still a bit course but the mouthfeel is very elegant. Medium + body and nice long length, this wine is not over done, nicely balanced and good complexity, though perhaps not quite with the other vintages of this wine.
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I think a little damaged from improper storage. The mid-palate was thin, but still smelled like Ornellaia. beside a 2002 Dominus it wasn't good, but the others liked it. Too bad. probably would have been 92-94 if properly aged.
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Extreme complexity, very nice but one wonders if a similar experience can be had for much lower prices, my guess is that it can but this is an iconic wine for sure - Dark, full bodied with a nose of black fruit, cigar box, earth and vanilla on the nose, still quite young and tannic, well made, balanced and velvety smooth on the finish with excellent length (92 Points).
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I had heard much about Ornellaia, but had resisted it for many years, on the basis that (judging from its Bordelais, 1st growth style PR) it seemed very pleased with itself and not in need of my humble affections. Having spent a heavenly week-end on the Amalfi coast in Italy with my childhood sweetheart, adult darling and eternal love (all one and the same person), and having togehter tasted all of the local Camapania wines (red and white), we decided, on our last night to indulge ourselves by ordering a bottle of Ornellaia 2001 with our dinner. The eager, and by virtue of our choice of wine, happy sommelier returned to inform us that they had no more bottles of the 2001 but that they did have the 2002. A bit young (the wine), we thought, but nerves steadied by an early evening cocktail and a complimentary glass of champagne, we plumped for the 2002, albeit muttering under our breaths, "it will need a lot of air". Did it heck. Immediately upon being opened, the most extraordinary bouquet was released. Plums and crushed violet with a dose of red berry cough medicine, is the best way I can describe it. It was heavenly. On the palate, it was as smooth as lavendered velvet. A joy and a truly exceptional wine. I am left, even now, one week on, wondering from where its bouquet derived. It was quite literally like nothing that I have ever smelt before.
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20th Anniversary for Ornellaia (Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rome): From Magnum. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Ruby colour. Closed to start but developed nicely in the glass over an hour+. Nose of roasted kernels, grilled meat, clean earth. Very savoury and rich-tasting, with an ultra-trace touch of sweetness. Nicely acidic, high alcohol, high level of ripe/smooth tannins, subtle and well-integrated oak. Balanced, rich, warm, full-bodied, long, complex.
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Tasted this in a vertical of 2000, 2001 and 2002 Ornellaia at a Daniel Schuster event in NYC. Wow, the fruit, spice and earth scents are quite strong, young, but this really isn't that enjoyable right now on the taste. Heat and tannins are quite powerful, but the fruit is also there. But I think maybe in isolation (and not alongside the 2000 and 2001) it would be. I am sure it would be quite good with several hours of decanting, and/or after a few more years asleep. Even at its peak, though, I don't believe it's going to match the last three years' vintages.
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Looks a little like the Coonawarra Cabs of the mid 80’s with its methoxypyrazene lift and cassis fruit aromatics. In the mouth it is sweet, supple and inoffensive but certainly dilute, if it were cordial you’d add more cordial. The antithesis of the monstrous 01.
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Internet forum group Bordeaux blends tasting no. 1 (@ Klap): Complex bouquet of oak and red fruits. The wine is still very young, but the wood is already very well integrated. Also a hint of sweetness. Beautiful complex wine which needs a few more years.
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I tried this at the WS Grand Tour in Las Vegas last month. I was surprised by the qulity of this wine when considering the poor Tuscan vintage in 2002 (better in Bolgheri). The wine was round with a smooth testure. The tannins were integrated. Cherry notes. Some grip on the finish. 90-91 points.
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4/17/2024 - jmoon Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classic and in a good spot, drink up
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1/1/2023 - Rezy13 wrote:
2023 New Year's Day Blind Tasting (Marietta, GA): Liqueured red currant, spice, nice depth; tasty; '05 Redigaffi?; late in the tasting and rapid fire so notes are a little sparse.
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1/1/2023 - Francophile1 Likes this wine:
2023 New Year's Day Double Blind Tasting: Served blind. At bottle #14 in the night, my palate was wrecked. All I can say about this wine is that it is very well made and I enjoyed it but can't say much more than that. When am I going to learn to use the spit bucket at one of these events?
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12/18/2022 - RobinTeo wrote: 91 Points
The one with Big Reds #3 (The Sail): Intense florals with purple inky fruits, licorice and kirsh dominating both the bouquet and palate. Slightly imbalanced and disjointed for me with overtly high and piercing acidity. I am not sure if this was a flawed bottle although it did not seem so.
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12/16/2022 - The_Cat Likes this wine: 97 Points
Deep garnet red. Lots of blackberry blueberry a bit of plum some licorice and chocolate Very complex and elegant. Full bodied with fine tannins and very long finish
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11/5/2022 - greedy wrote: 100 Points
Perfection. Out of a mag. Tons of fruit that is well balanced with tannins. What an experience.
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9/18/2022 - Mazy Likes this wine: 91 Points
À son apogée à mon avis. Les tannins sont assez fondus, les arômes sont complexes avec des notes de cuir, de terre. Accompagne à merveille une belle pièce de boeuf grillée. Par contre, après le repas, le taux d’alcoolémie de 14,5% lui nuit car il s’alourdit un peu et semble un peu pataud lorsque bu seul. Un style bordelais qui traîne un peu de la patte face aux cousins français.
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4/17/2022 - Michal A Likes this wine: 94 Points
Ready to drink but still retains plenty of tanin so can last for a while. Notes of leather, prunes, strawberries. Delicious.
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10/2/2021 - Uncle Victor wrote: 93 Points
Dinner at Teatro celebrating in-laws’ 50th anniversary. I would have really enjoyed sipping this bottle at home on my own, but this was a legit occasion to share with the whole family. Minimal decant. Gorgeous deep ruby colour. Soft ripe red fruit with herbs, chocolate, leather on the nose, perfectly balanced. Plush mouthfeel with resolved tannins. Medium-long finish. Scores around the table ranged from 92-98: In the words of my articulate father-in-law, “this is pretty good!”
P. S. Looking forward to sharing that bottle of ‘01 with #1or#2.
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5/24/2021 - Tony Ling Likes this wine: 94 Points
PNP into Riedel Big O glass (“Root” day): Medium purplish garnet to the eyes.
Bordeaux blend notes at its best here with a lot of savoury, dark purplish plums, black cherries, root notes.
Ripe but very much restrained on palate here. Good minerality and very persistent on finish.
94 points.
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3/19/2021 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Likes this wine: 96 Points
At a restaurant. Popped and poured, and drank over 30 minutes. Very well made wine, and the nose on this thing was singing. Ready to go now, but will hold longer. Delicious in any case.
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3/19/2021 - SonnyChiba wrote: 95 Points
Really nice showing - still has some room to improve. Ripe plum, red cherry, balanced and flat out delicious. The consistency of Ornellaia always amazes me.
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1/27/2021 - pkouchu wrote: 93 Points
balsamic, bruised cherry, leather, tobacco, dirt, strawberries, licorice, plum, brown spice, and and mocha
soft and elegant, matured fruit, nice acidity and smooth mouthfeel. gracefully declining
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1/9/2021 - rraaffaa Likes this wine: 93 Points
Classic Ornellaia nose (beautiful fruit, some cherry, dark berries, leather), but lighter body than 01 and 04, not quite as well integrated as the 98, but still a pretty nice bottle of wine.
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11/21/2020 - mchern02 wrote: 92 Points
3 hour decant
Beautiful floral driven nose with mature dark cherries and plums, anise, and chocolate
Body is medium with nice structure and mature acidity due to the merlot, a dryness from tannins and and a finish that is long with an unattractive dryness.
In early part of prime drinking window though not sure the slightly dryish tannins relax further at this point. Merlot definitely saves this wine as without I think the Cab from this vintage would be quite harsh.
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10/4/2020 - pdicorpo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Absolutely delicious. Perfect after 20 mins. Smooth - hints of dark berries and licorice.
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9/2/2020 - Mazy wrote: 89 Points
C'est bon mais en ce moment, je ne vois pas comment ça peut valoir le prix. Les tannins et l'acidité s'atténuent en carafe, mais ça demeure costaud, chocolaté et primaire.
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7/22/2020 - Papies wrote: 93 Points
From a very pretty magnum, decanted for a good hour. Crumbly cork but no issues with the wine and actually very consistent with a year ago or so ( Papies 92) when we had it from the great cellar of Rekondo in San Sebastián.
Solid very much healthy and brooding wine, lots of dark fruit, a lot of merlot feel here. Much like Sassicaia great producers made great wine in 2002 . Sassicaia 2002 is a better wine ( Papies 93-94) softer and more leathery while this Ornellaia is darker, more dark fruit and oak feel. Maybe they pushed it a bit more during its elevage. Still a solid 92 and drinks very well now
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6/19/2020 - Zaltostephen wrote: 93 Points
We had 2 bottles - both fantastic. Brick color - no signs of aging on the edge of the glass. Absolutely fabulous nose; Chocolate, red and back berries, even hints of menthol and eucalyptus. Some other comments below suggesting to drink up/ over the top. I would disagree. This is drinking perfectly now. Quite a few years left in this beauty...if you can wait that long. You will enjoy it now!
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5/17/2019 - Papies wrote: 92 Points
The Return to San Sebastian; 5/17/2019-5/18/2019 (San Sebastian, Spain): 2002 is not the most obvious of Bolgheri vintages but as we are great lovers of the 2002 Sassicaia ( Papies 93-94) we cherished the opportunity to try the Ornellaia 02 especially fromt he great cellar of Rekondo, San Sebastian.
Dark fruited, soft spice, a lot more substance here from the Sassicaia, a lot less evolved and touch on the reserved side. Where the Sassicaia 02 is frull of charm and evolution, this is more "powerful" and a touch one dimensional in a way. Still silky, soft tannin and with good healthy fruit. Solid 91-92 wine and drinks very well now.
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12/25/2018 - dnnk88 wrote: 91 Points
Drank alongside the 2001 which was the best wine for the day, and the gulf showed. Caveat that there may be fatigue as it is one of the last of 14 bottles tasted. Chocolaty, black berries, slight liquorice. Felt the intensity but somehow not the complexity. Was hoping it would develop but it stayed close. Warm finish with slight bitterness. I would give it a second try, but was not impressed on this day.
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10/27/2018 - vpaul1186 Likes this wine: 93 Points
great nose....a very good bottle
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4/12/2018 - maxima wrote: 91 Points
BU avec les FOUDUVINS de Sherbrooke, René, Claude, Olivier, Mike LM et FrançoisD…
c’était pour fêter les 50 ans de notre ami François D au resto AVV La Suite!
Fait de 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot et 5% Cabernet Franc.
Plus musclé et corsé que les 2 Bordeaux.
Au nez herbes et épices avec du tabac et de la terre.
En bouche, c’est rond et généreux. Du cassis et des cerises avec du poivre sur des tannins serrés et une finale longue et vaporeuse.
Très bon.
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6/17/2017 - apm1023 wrote: 93 Points
- Brick color - Absolutely fabulous. Tannins shed after only a few minutes in the glass. This is drinking perfectly now I do not think it has many years left but if you have this then you will enjoy now
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5/22/2017 - S-C-S Likes this wine: 95 Points
Balanced wine.
Don't decant.
Drink now,wine is on the top.
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2/19/2017 - deejay81 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Slow O'd for about 6 hours, then poured into a decanter to remove sediment. Cork was in great condition and very tight.
Dark impenetrable purple with no signs of aging. Nose had plenty of dark chocolate, blackberries, menthol and eucalyptus.
Bitter chocolate, dark fruits and vanilla oak and pretty tannic. Tannins settled as the night progressed as did the bitter chocolate with more blackberries and raisins coming out. Could have done better if decanted overnight as this wine was tasting super young particularly at this age for this vintage. Finish was long and had me wanting more.
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5/1/2016 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 93 Points
Sometimes lightning does strike twice--having tasted the 2002 Ornellaia last year, a wine I didn’t expect to be impressed by, and here we are again. The nose on the 2002 is giving and alluring with pretty floral tones up front, followed by sweet cherry, apple, and with time, turning savory and spicy. On the palate, I found silky, soft textures with notes of rich cherry sauce, plum, currant, and sweet spice. The finish was long and soft with a lasting impression of ripe red fruits and fig. Is there a hint of heat? Maybe just a little; but still, it is just stunning.
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3/5/2016 - gtonn Likes this wine: 94 Points
Excellent
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12/28/2015 - Yiannis Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark ruby. Moccha, plums, dark cherries and chocolate on the nose. Medium-bodied, round, good concentration, balance and length. Excellent for a wine from an off-vintage.
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12/28/2015 - phil the agony wrote: 93 Points
Première fois avec ce vin.
Sti qui m'énerve Jo.Toujours avec un vin racoleur qui va me plaire à tout coup.
Crowd pleasure certain.De la vanilllllle de crème en glace en bouche.Pas vraiment boisé et tout beau,
Un vin avec un noeud papillon .Il est prêt à sortir.Tout beau et fringuant.
Tout jeune le petit criss et il va se rendre loin dans la vie.Belle fraicheur.
Je croyais à du Sassi 2012...Quel con..Bravo Francis pour le call.
17/20 ++
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11/28/2015 - ericcin wrote: 93 Points
Very nice drank with Thanksgiving dinner
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9/5/2015 - Ericsson Likes this wine: 95 Points
Super Toscan, dans tous les sens du terme!
Magnifique couleur rubis moyennement brillant. Nez incroyable sur les fruits rouges et noirs, traces de fumée, de cuir.
La bouche est superbe de finesse et de concentration. L'acidité est présente pour apporter l'équilibre. Longue finale.
A maturité avec des années de réserve.
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7/11/2015 - Meneley wrote:
Great nose, lots of stewed red berries, red licorice and wood spice. Quite a long spectacular finish. WOW! Can drink till 2020. LO
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5/18/2015 - cephomer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank at Ornellaia event. Garnet color, starting to show some age in glass. Sweet fruit in the nose, along with a bit of leather & perhaps a tad of wood. Fairly decent fruit level, but I found this wine to more dominated by its earthiness, along with tobacco, barnyard & some leather or tar. Drinking better than I (or most others) expected, and definitely an enjoyable wine, but not in the same class as most other vintages.
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3/8/2015 - bugdoced Likes this wine: 93 Points
not the most integrated ornellaia I have ever had, but pretty darn good with nuanced dark fruit , coffee ,forest floor
great length too
opened 1 hour before drinking and tasted alongside 2010
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1/30/2015 - hob8 Likes this wine: 93 Points
From magnum, decanted 1hr than back into bottle 3hrs. Poured from bottle. Sweet perfumed nose of dark berries. Super smooth tannins with velvety mouth feel and persistent though slightly warm finish, 14.5% by vol. Palette is filled with kirsch, stewed dark fruit, spices and a hint of vanilla. Beautiful and completely in balance at the moment!
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12/24/2014 - merlotsmile wrote: 93 Points
Really nice.
Medium garnet. On the nose the wine has pronounced aromas of sweet dark red fruit, dark cherries, plum, integrated vanilla, leather, spice. On the palate the wine is dry, with high refreshing acidity. The alcohol is integrated and the high levels of tannins are soft, smooth and silky. It has a medium+ body, pronounced flavour intensity (same as aromas) and a long finish.
This is an outstanding wine with all components in balance - the developed fruit, the acidity, the alcohol and the tannins. The finish is long and gives an excellent lasting feel. The intensity of the flavours and aromas are full and pronouced, and the wine reveals a nice complexity of developed aromas and flavours.
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11/18/2014 - isbjoern wrote: 92 Points
Funky Bordeaux-like nose with a scent of brettanomyces, ripe plums and mocha. Expansive on the palate, sweet tannins, fine acidity, similar flavors than on the nose with also some cassis, Bordeaux-like flavors but the slightly oxidized plum fruit has too much sweetness for Bordeaux, great oak integration, tobacco and sandalwood, velvety mouthfeel and great length, it seems to gain weight on the palate. Excellent well-balanced wine, especially in the context of the vintage. Ready for drinking now. - 92 points
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10/29/2014 - Ericsson Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dégustation GEEU chez Enrico (Geneva): Non décanté mais ouvert environ 2 heures avant de déguster.
Superbe! A l'aveugle, on était parti sur un Bordeaux...
Très jolie couleur rubis foncé, encore brillant.
Nez d'une magnifique finesse sur les arômes floraux, sur les fruits rouges, avec une touche de fumée.
En bouche, le vin est tout aussi fin, distingué, avec une belle complexité.
A boire sans se presser.
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10/27/2014 - Ralph_ wrote: 85 Points
From a magnum at a Ornellaia tasting. 1985-2011 all from Magnum
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5/4/2014 - Tpairing wrote: 91 Points
Powerful concentration. Red cherry, plums, dark fruit and currants. Sandalwood with spice and tobacco. Silk smooth tannins and well structured. Can still improve.
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1/25/2014 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 93 Points
Bricking dark red violet color; maturing, tobacco, cedar, tart currant, sandalwood nose; mature, red currant, tart plum, sweet tobacco, cedar, mint palate with polished, sweet tannins; medium-plus finish
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12/13/2013 - Dickydick Likes this wine: 90 Points
Kleur: granaatrood met een lichte bruinkleuring aan de rand, mooie volle neus van zwarte bes, tabak, leer en aarde. Smaak iets kruidig, rood en zwart fruit, leer met een mooie balans, zachte tannine, iets minder geconcentreerd dan gehoopt. Afdronk lang. Denk dat de wijn nu op zijn best is. Gedronken als begeleider van een tournedos met pepersaus.
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11/21/2013 - Dryckesupplevelser Likes this wine: 97 Points
Stor ljuvlig doft av mörk frukt, rökighet, mörk choklad och torkade plommon. Sträv smak av plommon, mörk choklad, nypon, komplex, utvecklad med lagom sandiga tanniner som nu slipats ner till perfekt nivå. Lång och fyllig eftersmak. Enastående!
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11/16/2013 - rmcnees Likes this wine: 93 Points
Comparison tasting between the 2002 and the 2009 vintages, like Stefanos T. review below, although the lesser rated and cited to have the lesser aging potential, this 2002 was the wine most ready to drink now and was far more expressive and expansive of the two. Garnet colored, full bodied, complex, smooth and elegant with black berry fruits, tone of mocha and cola with layer of leather, coffee and olive tapenade turning to smooth soft tannins on the finish. Tasted almost like a mature Bordeaux.
Part of our Taste of Italy wine dinner -
http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/11/taste-of-italy-gala-italian-wine-dinner.html
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10/13/2013 - Olifio wrote: 92 Points
Delicious wine, beautiful clear red with brownish rim wine. Nose of black fruits and plums, taste of forest fruits with soft tannines . Very pleasant in combination with lamb's 'ossobuco'
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10/13/2013 - bino Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark ruby/garnet colour, very limited fading (nor residue)
Nose of forest and forest fruits, wild strawberries, black cherries, plums, mushrooms, autumn herbs, rosemary
High alcohol, medium tannins: well integrated, smooth by now, medium acidity; medium length, which was the only real drawback
This wine is probably at its peak: good balance of fruitiness and integrated tannins; drink soon
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11/3/2012 - Stefanos T. wrote: 94 Points
Among the 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009 wines tasted on this Oinokosmos' Ornellaia vertical 2002 although the weakest in terms of aging potential, was the wine most ready to drink now and it was delectable! Medium garnet colored with a nose fully developed, expessive and full of complexity with sweet black fruit, leather, coffee, olive tapenade, dried leaves, earth and floral aromas. Palate is very soft, maybe not as concentrated as the other vintages but open, friendly and fully surrendered with a slight tannic grip and flavors of chocolate, balsamic notes and black fruit. Very much like a right-bank mature Bordeaux.
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10/30/2012 - Dokken wrote: 89 Points
Garnet in apperance with a feminine nose of medium intensity and a splash of volatility. Fading on palate with astrigent tannins and slightly warm alcohol. For immediate consumption.
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10/29/2012 - kostaslonis wrote: 85 Points
(Tenuta dell' Ornellaia vertical by Oenocosmos) Evolved grenache color. The nose is quite evolved as well, reminding of olives, earth notes (rings Xinomavro bells!!!)
In the mouth the wine feels completely round, the tannins are very soft, balanced with much of a future ahead, it seems and feels at its peak. The acidity remains a bit longer, lacks body, medium aftertaste with a rather dilluted feeling.
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10/29/2012 - Yiannis wrote: 93 Points
Ornellaia Tasting organized by Oenocosmos (Vezenes Restaurant, Athens, Greece): Amazingly good given the reputation of 2002 as a off vintage. Dark garnet color. Intense mint/eucalypt, chocolate, dark berries and olive on the nose. Med+ bodied, balanced, with a long aftertaste. At peak.
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10/7/2012 - Rica41 wrote: 95 Points
Incredible
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5/26/2012 - Hank Gillespie wrote:
Tenuta dell' Ornellaia (The Wine Summit at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise): 65% CS, 30% M, 5% PV. Similar color; soft fruit driven aromas; on the palate some weakness in concentration; sweet currant fruit - quite fresh; nice weight, velvety texture; finishes long - harmonious.
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2/28/2012 - johnh1001 wrote: 94 Points
Opened, decanted and drank over 1 hour. I really liked this wine. Earthy, silky texture with a medium finish. Great open nose and enjoyable to drink. Plenty of life ahead.
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2/22/2012 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 94 Points
Very dark purple red violet color; lovely, tart berry spicy, black fruit, black plum, baked berry nose; tasty, rich but poised ripe and tart berry, black fruit, black fig palate with plush tannins; could use 3 years but appealing nose; medium-plus finish
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1/14/2012 - Zweder wrote: 92 Points
DJ's Birthday. A mixed set of special and beautiful wines. (@The psychologist): Beautiful bouquet with some chocolate and acidity. On the palate soft and beautiful cherries, some slightly earthy impressions and beautiful tannin and bitterness. Ready now and a future of several years.
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7/1/2010 - TheEngineer wrote: 89 Points
The bottle did gain quite a bit of weight over the two hours of decanting. Cigar, dark coco, dark berries, and rather focused. Oak was not completely integrated yet and tannins are still a bit course but the mouthfeel is very elegant. Medium + body and nice long length, this wine is not over done, nicely balanced and good complexity, though perhaps not quite with the other vintages of this wine.
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8/21/2009 - cmclean wrote: 90 Points
I think a little damaged from improper storage. The mid-palate was thin, but still smelled like Ornellaia. beside a 2002 Dominus it wasn't good, but the others liked it. Too bad. probably would have been 92-94 if properly aged.
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6/13/2009 - Tarrant wrote: 92 Points
Extreme complexity, very nice but one wonders if a similar experience can be had for much lower prices, my guess is that it can but this is an iconic wine for sure - Dark, full bodied with a nose of black fruit, cigar box, earth and vanilla on the nose, still quite young and tannic, well made, balanced and velvety smooth on the finish with excellent length (92 Points).
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10/15/2008 - The Kid wrote:
I had heard much about Ornellaia, but had resisted it for many years, on the basis that (judging from its Bordelais, 1st growth style PR) it seemed very pleased with itself and not in need of my humble affections. Having spent a heavenly week-end on the Amalfi coast in Italy with my childhood sweetheart, adult darling and eternal love (all one and the same person), and having togehter tasted all of the local Camapania wines (red and white), we decided, on our last night to indulge ourselves by ordering a bottle of Ornellaia 2001 with our dinner. The eager, and by virtue of our choice of wine, happy sommelier returned to inform us that they had no more bottles of the 2001 but that they did have the 2002. A bit young (the wine), we thought, but nerves steadied by an early evening cocktail and a complimentary glass of champagne, we plumped for the 2002, albeit muttering under our breaths, "it will need a lot of air". Did it heck. Immediately upon being opened, the most extraordinary bouquet was released. Plums and crushed violet with a dose of red berry cough medicine, is the best way I can describe it. It was heavenly. On the palate, it was as smooth as lavendered velvet. A joy and a truly exceptional wine. I am left, even now, one week on, wondering from where its bouquet derived. It was quite literally like nothing that I have ever smelt before.
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5/13/2008 - Barbara B wrote: 93 Points
20th Anniversary for Ornellaia (Crowne Plaza Hotel, Rome): From Magnum. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc.
Ruby colour. Closed to start but developed nicely in the glass over an hour+. Nose of roasted kernels, grilled meat, clean earth. Very savoury and rich-tasting, with an ultra-trace touch of sweetness. Nicely acidic, high alcohol, high level of ripe/smooth tannins, subtle and well-integrated oak. Balanced, rich, warm, full-bodied, long, complex.
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10/12/2007 - Barbara B wrote: 93 Points
Blind tasting and dinner at Enoteca La Vecchia Bottega del Vino (Enoteca La Vecchia Bottega del Vino, Via S. Maria del Pianto 9a/11/12, Rome, in the Jewish Ghetto): Nice matte ruby colour. Some bottle stink that blew off in a few minutes revealing rich roasted/toasted earthiness (but clean earth). Dark/ripe fruits, which were not so evident on the nose, were evident on the palate. High level of smooth tannins; acidity was low; alcohol did not seem too high. All in all, it was beautifully balanced in its structural components. Full bodied, rich, long, complex. Could be nothing else but the Ornellaia.
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5/24/2006 - anacapa1 wrote: 90 Points
Tasted this in a vertical of 2000, 2001 and 2002 Ornellaia at a Daniel Schuster event in NYC. Wow, the fruit, spice and earth scents are quite strong, young, but this really isn't that enjoyable right now on the taste. Heat and tannins are quite powerful, but the fruit is also there. But I think maybe in isolation (and not alongside the 2000 and 2001) it would be. I am sure it would be quite good with several hours of decanting, and/or after a few more years asleep. Even at its peak, though, I don't believe it's going to match the last three years' vintages.
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5/2/2006 - Double-A Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aromatic, currant, sweet herb, vanilla, mineral and smoke nose. Full, solid and gripping palate; long, smoky, toasty finish.
4.5/5
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4/1/2006 - Jeremy Holmes wrote:
Looks a little like the Coonawarra Cabs of the mid 80’s with its methoxypyrazene lift and cassis fruit aromatics. In the mouth it is sweet, supple and inoffensive but certainly dilute, if it were cordial you’d add more cordial. The antithesis of the monstrous 01.
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3/19/2006 - Zweder wrote: 92 Points
Internet forum group Bordeaux blends tasting no. 1 (@ Klap): Complex bouquet of oak and red fruits. The wine is still very young, but the wood is already very well integrated. Also a hint of sweetness. Beautiful complex wine which needs a few more years.
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6/16/2005 - Vino Me wrote: 90 Points
I tried this at the WS Grand Tour in Las Vegas last month. I was surprised by the qulity of this wine when considering the poor Tuscan vintage in 2002 (better in Bolgheri). The wine was round with a smooth testure. The tannins were integrated. Cherry notes. Some grip on the finish. 90-91 points.
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