Ornellaia was founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori at Bolgheri, on the Tuscan coast a few kilometres from Sassicaia. The land had no winemaking tradition to speak of; what it had was gravel, sea air and a maritime climate that suits Bordeaux varieties far better than Sangiovese.

The wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot — a Bordeaux assemblage grown in Italy, and one of the wines that defined the Super Tuscan category.

Every vintage since 2006 has been given a name and an artist-designed label for a limited run of large formats — the Vendemmia d’Artista project.

2021 was a dry year with cool nights on the coast — a combination that concentrates without cooking, and preserves aromatics. It has been received as one of the estate’s strongest recent releases, and it is still very young.

Blackcurrant and violet over cocoa, bay leaf and warm gravel; deep and finely structured on the palate, the tannins polished, the finish very long. Give it until 2027 at the earliest — this is a twenty-year wine.

Supplied in original wooden case, six bottles.