Blockbuster Second Label of Ornellaia. Wow!

Few names in the wine industry evoke as much passion and admiration as a handful of elite Super Tuscans.

According to the high end auctioneer Christie's, there are five superstar Italian wineries that changed the face of the wine industry. Among them are Sassicaia, Antinori's Tignanello, and Ornellaia. They are some of the most highly coveted wines in the world, with price tags living up to the worldwide obsession.

Some of you may recall we held a private wine tasting seminar a few years back featuring Antinori's Tignanello where our clients had the rare privilege of tasting this iconic wine, amongst others, with Antinori's top brass. If you aren't on our private event email list then press reply to this email and let us know you want to be included because it's by invitation only. All we need is your name and email address. Please note: events are not held in the summer.

Today we have a brilliant second label wine for you from Ornellaia which doesn't cost hundreds of dollars per bottle! And yet, you wouldn't realize that when you drink it. This is an absolutely sensational red wine. It really captured our attention.

Ornellaia has established itself amongst the iconic wine estates in Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the estate's unique terroir in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast.

The combination of Bolgheri's unique soils and growing conditions, and what can only be characterized as a total obsession with excellence, result in the world-class wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese that so many wine lovers across the world have come to cherish.

We opened this wine the other night and served it with a thick bone-in rib eye steak from the grill, along with seared Romaine lettuce with a garlic and pureed anchovy dressing and duck fat roasted potatoes with fresh herbs from the garden. Let's just say we were thrilled!

Ornellaia Toscana Le Volte 2016 (IGT)

Le Volte dell'Ornellaia combines a Mediterranean expression of generosity with structure and complexity reflecting the philosophy of Ornellaia. It represents the first step into the Ornellaia family and is an ideal wine for everyday enjoyment.

The different varieties were fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their varietal characteristics intact. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, again in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 10 months, partly in barrique used for Ornellaia and partly in cement tanks, to obtain the perfect balance between tannic structure and an expression of fresh fruit.

As for the 2016 vintage, here's what the winemaker, Axel Heinz, had to say:

"Few vintages have expressed all the virtues of the Tuscan coast's climate as eloquently as 2016. An almost perfect combination of sunshine, warm summer days and cool nights, with just about enough rain to slow down the vine's growth without making them suffer from drought have led to one of the purest expressions of Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, combining perfectly ripe yet vibrant fruit with a silky and generous texture underlined by a fresh and lively acidity."

So, let's go over to the press and see what they think of
this little gem.

"Black currant, blackberry and mint aromas and flavors mark this firm, linear red. Fruity yet savory, ending with a dense, wide swath of dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2021 through 2030. 9,000 cases imported." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 92 points

"Blackberries and blueberries with hints of licorice and hazelnuts following through to a medium body with firm and silky tannins. A delicious finish. Juicy and savory." (James Suckling)

James Suckling: 92 points

"You get excellent value with the entry-level 2016 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia. This vintage radiates freshness and sheer energy, thanks to the excellent material available in this classic vintage. The base of the wine is Merlot, but the winemaking team at Ornellaia sources fruit far and wide along the Tuscan coast to locate the Sangiovese and the Cabernet Sauvignon that completes the blend. The wine opens to a rich, dark appearance and offers succulent fruit tones of blackberry, blackcurrant and lingering spice. You also get that characteristic freshness that comes from the Sangiovese." (Wine Advocate)

Wine Advocate: 91 points

$32.99/bottle or $316.70/12 pack case (that's just $26.39/bottle for an extraordinary wine).

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Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Summer Hours Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.   Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.   We're open year round. Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.