Ornellaia 2018 was released in the UK this morning at £1,600 per 12×75, down 11.1% on the release price of the last two vintages, 2017 and 2016 (£1,800 per 12×75).
In February this year, the Super Tuscan estate unveiled artistic interpretation of its 2018 vintage, created by the Belgian artist Jan Fabre. A limited-edition label adorns one bottle in each case sold.
For the first time, Merlot dominates the Ornellaia blend (51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, according to Jancis Robinson).
The wine received 17 points from Robinson, who noted that it had “a little note of inkiness – much, much less opulent than most Ornellaias, but very much more opulent than Sassicaia 2018”. (Sassicaia 2018 was released in February at £1,800 per 12×75.)
Antonio Galloni (Vinous) also reviewed the 2018 Ornellaia earlier this year, giving it 97 points. Galloni was impressed with its “terrific persistence and impeccable balance” and observed that “readers can expect a silky, aromatic Ornellaia in line with vintages such as 2004 that are more about finesse than raw power”.
The 2004 received 95 points from the critic and carries a Market Price of £2,200 per case.
Buyers looking for an alternative might also wish to consider the similarly scored 2017 vintage, which has drifted in price since release and is now available at £1,520 per case. It was the fourth most traded Italian wine by value in 2020.
The 2015 – Galloni’s highest scored vintage, “a dream wine with magnificent balance” – also looks to offer good value with a Market Price of £1,500 per case.
Year-to-date, trade for Ornellaia has been led by activity for its 2016, 2017 and 2015 vintages.
The 2018 Ornellaia Bianco (AG 93+) was also released this morning at £500 per 3×75.
