Had this with work at the Ham Yard Hotel in London. You can tell this is an excellent and well made wine, but way too young. Even decanting this for 2 hours didn’t make much difference. In terms of QPR…no comment.
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Vin très bien vinifié, plein de glycérine et d’arômes fruités. Il a fallu le carafer pendant des heures pour l’amadouer. Ce n’est plus vraiment mon type de vin surtout au niveau des prix actuels. Pour les amateurs de « bordeaux blend » Bordeaux est repassé en tête, selon moi.
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Decanted briefly. Young and lush with very tart backbone that balances the thick, pulpy body. Stellar effort from young vines, very Italian this vintage. Curious to see how this ages but it's fun now.
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Restaurant list from half bottle. Painfully young now but drinkable. Lush and intense. Long. Tannins quite fine but still no point opening in its youth.
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Old world, new world; old friends, new friends (sfwl's deck in warm and sunny Noe Valley): THIS TN IS FOR THE 2017 ORNELLAIA SOLARE; SEE NOTE AT BOTTOM. Brian's wonderful red contribution to wineapalooza; I know he opened it beforehand, but don't know for how long or if it was decanted, but it was definitely ready to go when we broke the seal. On the very vibrant nose and palate, sweet and savory black currants and cherries, blackberries, and plums; charred earth; ground spice; leather; minerality; dark florals; cinnamon, and tobacco. Deep purple, full-bodied, medium to full legs. Medium+ tannins and acidity which were partially integrated, but to the extent not, well balanced by fruit and secondary notes, no heat despite the 15% abv, but with that wonderful incandescence like the Dal Forno. Tremendous persistence, complexity and intensity. My first bottle of Ornellaia, and while youthful and energetic, it wasn't unharmonious in any way. Terrific Bordeaux style blend in which the CS gave complexity, the merlot roundness, the CF lift (I must confess I'm never sure exactly what I'm supposed to be tasting in a PV). As mentioned, shockingly good to go on the pour, but it deepened and became more expressive over the course of the afternoon, all the more so with the small pour left over--thank you so much, Brian, for leaving!--on night 2. The fruit is extraordinary, but unlike the Covert, the structure and savoriness really add profundity, which, while already impressive, seem certain to increase greatly over the coming years, nay, decades. Great with the charcuterie and on the second night, lasagna, but more than balanced and elegant enough to stand on its own. If I had one or 2 bottles, I'd hold or give them plenty of air, but if you're lucky enough to have a bunch, no reason not to find a special occasion--except for my fortunate CT friends for whom this kind of thing is a regular occasion quaff--and let it rip. Like the Tusk at the prior tasting, if this esteemed group of wines were to be reconvened in the future, this could well climb to the top of the medal stand, but no disgrace being just a bit behind the Favia and Dal Forno on this date. As a side note, this bottling is a bit of a mystery to me, as it has the same grapes in the same proportions as the "standard" Ornellaia, and for the 12 vintages of this wine, there are zero (yep, a big goose egg) TNs, so, at the risk of violating CT protocol, I'm copying this TN into the "standard" Ornellaia section (yeah, I also love attention). I note that some Solares have a particularly artistic label, but this one did not. 96-97+++
Old world, new world; old friends, new friends (sfwl's deck in warm and sunny Noe Valley): Brian's wonderful red contribution to wineapalooza; I know he opened it beforehand, but don't know for how long or if it was decanted, but it was definitely ready to go when we broke the seal. On the very vibrant nose and palate, sweet and savory black currants and cherries, blackberries, and plums; charred earth; ground spice; leather; minerality; dark florals; cinnamon, and tobacco. Deep purple, full-bodied, medium to full legs. Medium+ tannins and acidity which were partially integrated, but to the extent not, well balanced by fruit and secondary notes, no heat despite the 15% abv, but with that wonderful incandescence like the Dal Forno. Tremendous persistence, complexity and intensity. My first bottle of Ornellaia, and while youthful and energetic, it wasn't unharmonious in any way. Terrific Bordeaux style blend in which the CS gave complexity, the merlot roundness, the CF lift (I must confess I'm never sure exactly what I'm supposed to be tasting in a PV). As mentioned, shockingly good to go on the pour, but it deepened and became more expressive over the course of the afternoon, all the more so with the small pour left over--thank you so much, Brian, for leaving!--on night 2. The fruit is extraordinary, but unlike the Covert, the structure and savoriness really add profundity, which, while already impressive, seem certain to increase greatly over the coming years, nay, decades. Great with the charcuterie and on the second night, lasagna, but more than balanced and elegant enough to stand on its own. If I had one or 2 bottles, I'd hold or give them plenty of air, but if you're lucky enough to have a bunch, no reason not to find a special occasion--except for my fortunate CT friends for whom this kind of thing is a regular occasion quaff--and let it rip. Like the Tusk at the prior tasting, if this esteemed group of wines were to be reconvened in the future, this could well climb to the top of the medal stand, but no disgrace being just a bit behind the Favia and Dal Forno on this date. As a side note, this bottling is a bit of a mystery to me, as it has the same grapes in the same proportions as the "standard" Ornellaia, and for the 12 vintages of this wine, there are zero (yep, a big goose egg) TNs, so, at the risk of violating CT protocol, I'm copying this TN into the "standard" Ornellaia section (yeah, I also love attention). I note that some Solares have a particularly artistic label, but this one did not. 96-97+++
Aarhus: Lots of blackberry, cherry and mint. As expected extremely youthful and tough to drink - in other words much too young. A "very warm" and rich Bordeaux blend. Needs many years in cellar. 15% abv [AArhus Plan B]
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Opened 2 hours. Color is deep garnet. On the nose: Plum, cassis, leather, hint of cinnamon and some green vegetal notes. On the palate: Rich Plums, cinnamon, cassis and pomegranate. Tannins evident at the end. Silky mouthfeel.This is a very young sensuous wine. Needs time say 5+ years.
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dark blackish plum, little clarity, ruby hue Nose: black plum, blackberry, licorice, violets, tobacco, minerals, stem, chocolate, vanilla, cedar Pal: black plum, blackberry, licorice, minerals, tar, tobacco, stem, dark chocolate, tannins, cedar Feel: medium, full Finish: long T8 a touch unbalanced
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Amazing wine but very very young. Gave it 3 hour decant. Very tannic and great acidity. New oak pops through nicely. Plenty of fruit and savory Mediterranean herbs. Layers or flavor. Will open next bottle in 10 years
blind Very opulent and elegant. Fruit driven but not boring or over extracted. Ripe soft but firm Tannins. At least 10 more years. I guessed Italy, you feel CS but in the beginning not Bordeaux like. One hour later more like a left bank wine. better than Sassi 2016 two weeks before. 97+
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From 375mL. Decanted for 90 minutes. Deep garnet in the glass with clearing at the edges. Nose of tobacco, leather, spice, chocolate, cassis, and some red fruit. Palate is all about structure, with firm tannins that are very prominent at this point. Dense and concentrated. Medium+ acidity. There is a lot of fruit on the initial attack but subsequent waves of flavour are all oak-derived and then the tannins bring it home. Very long and complex finish. This wine is way too young and needs time to integrate, but it has all the elements to be great with another 4-5 years in bottle. Maybe it won’t reach the greatness of 2016, but I think it will be close!
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Deep, dark in color. Tenuta dell'Ornellaia's 2017 Bolgheri Superiore offers a rich, ripe bouquet of cassis, tobacco, an herbal greenness, smoke, and cedar on the nose. Dark fruit interwoven with cedar, the fruit is rich and dense but doesn't show much weight or extraction. Drink starting 2024. (56% Cabernet sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit verdot, and 9% Cabernet franc)
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Deep color. Immediately open with purple and black fruits, camphor, tobacco, sweet vanilla, tar, leather, minerals and black olive. Full bodied, it has excellent tension and complexity on palate. Delicious despite its youth. Lingering long finish. Superb and spot on! 96+
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Tasted alongside the '15, this is far more approachable. I think this has something of an x-factor in this vintage, and I suppose as people begin to open their bottles, they'll discover the same, and keeping them in the cellar will prove a challenge. Seriously good, and well on its way to more greatness. highly recommended
5/9/2024 - SLB83 Likes this wine:
Had this with work at the Ham Yard Hotel in London.
You can tell this is an excellent and well made wine, but way too young. Even decanting this for 2 hours didn’t make much difference.
In terms of QPR…no comment.
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4/28/2024 - Holadi wrote: 93 Points
Red big and fresh. Tio young to drink on its own yet. Fantastic with a seared skirt steak and mushrooms.
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3/28/2024 - jimyeni Likes this wine: 95 Points
Surprisingly good for the vintage - fruit, floral, nice, nice middle, long finish. Yeah, it was firing on all cylinders
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2/3/2024 - Ericsson wrote:
Vin très bien vinifié, plein de glycérine et d’arômes fruités.
Il a fallu le carafer pendant des heures pour l’amadouer.
Ce n’est plus vraiment mon type de vin surtout au niveau des prix actuels.
Pour les amateurs de « bordeaux blend » Bordeaux est repassé en tête, selon moi.
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4/1/2023 - Quiet Lion Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted briefly. Young and lush with very tart backbone that balances the thick, pulpy body. Stellar effort from young vines, very Italian this vintage. Curious to see how this ages but it's fun now.
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5/8/2022 - Blue Jay Likes this wine: 96 Points
Complex layers of flavor with blackberries, mocha, cassis and leather with silky smooth tannins.
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1/5/2022 - steinersing wrote: 92 Points
Restaurant list from half bottle. Painfully young now but drinkable. Lush and intense. Long. Tannins quite fine but still no point opening in its youth.
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11/13/2021 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 97 Points
Old world, new world; old friends, new friends (sfwl's deck in warm and sunny Noe Valley): THIS TN IS FOR THE 2017 ORNELLAIA SOLARE; SEE NOTE AT BOTTOM. Brian's wonderful red contribution to wineapalooza; I know he opened it beforehand, but don't know for how long or if it was decanted, but it was definitely ready to go when we broke the seal. On the very vibrant nose and palate, sweet and savory black currants and cherries, blackberries, and plums; charred earth; ground spice; leather; minerality; dark florals; cinnamon, and tobacco. Deep purple, full-bodied, medium to full legs. Medium+ tannins and acidity which were partially integrated, but to the extent not, well balanced by fruit and secondary notes, no heat despite the 15% abv, but with that wonderful incandescence like the Dal Forno. Tremendous persistence, complexity and intensity. My first bottle of Ornellaia, and while youthful and energetic, it wasn't unharmonious in any way. Terrific Bordeaux style blend in which the CS gave complexity, the merlot roundness, the CF lift (I must confess I'm never sure exactly what I'm supposed to be tasting in a PV). As mentioned, shockingly good to go on the pour, but it deepened and became more expressive over the course of the afternoon, all the more so with the small pour left over--thank you so much, Brian, for leaving!--on night 2. The fruit is extraordinary, but unlike the Covert, the structure and savoriness really add profundity, which, while already impressive, seem certain to increase greatly over the coming years, nay, decades. Great with the charcuterie and on the second night, lasagna, but more than balanced and elegant enough to stand on its own. If I had one or 2 bottles, I'd hold or give them plenty of air, but if you're lucky enough to have a bunch, no reason not to find a special occasion--except for my fortunate CT friends for whom this kind of thing is a regular occasion quaff--and let it rip. Like the Tusk at the prior tasting, if this esteemed group of wines were to be reconvened in the future, this could well climb to the top of the medal stand, but no disgrace being just a bit behind the Favia and Dal Forno on this date. As a side note, this bottling is a bit of a mystery to me, as it has the same grapes in the same proportions as the "standard" Ornellaia, and for the 12 vintages of this wine, there are zero (yep, a big goose egg) TNs, so, at the risk of violating CT protocol, I'm copying this TN into the "standard" Ornellaia section (yeah, I also love attention). I note that some Solares have a particularly artistic label, but this one did not. 96-97+++
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11/13/2021 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 97 Points
Old world, new world; old friends, new friends (sfwl's deck in warm and sunny Noe Valley): Brian's wonderful red contribution to wineapalooza; I know he opened it beforehand, but don't know for how long or if it was decanted, but it was definitely ready to go when we broke the seal. On the very vibrant nose and palate, sweet and savory black currants and cherries, blackberries, and plums; charred earth; ground spice; leather; minerality; dark florals; cinnamon, and tobacco. Deep purple, full-bodied, medium to full legs. Medium+ tannins and acidity which were partially integrated, but to the extent not, well balanced by fruit and secondary notes, no heat despite the 15% abv, but with that wonderful incandescence like the Dal Forno. Tremendous persistence, complexity and intensity. My first bottle of Ornellaia, and while youthful and energetic, it wasn't unharmonious in any way. Terrific Bordeaux style blend in which the CS gave complexity, the merlot roundness, the CF lift (I must confess I'm never sure exactly what I'm supposed to be tasting in a PV). As mentioned, shockingly good to go on the pour, but it deepened and became more expressive over the course of the afternoon, all the more so with the small pour left over--thank you so much, Brian, for leaving!--on night 2. The fruit is extraordinary, but unlike the Covert, the structure and savoriness really add profundity, which, while already impressive, seem certain to increase greatly over the coming years, nay, decades. Great with the charcuterie and on the second night, lasagna, but more than balanced and elegant enough to stand on its own. If I had one or 2 bottles, I'd hold or give them plenty of air, but if you're lucky enough to have a bunch, no reason not to find a special occasion--except for my fortunate CT friends for whom this kind of thing is a regular occasion quaff--and let it rip. Like the Tusk at the prior tasting, if this esteemed group of wines were to be reconvened in the future, this could well climb to the top of the medal stand, but no disgrace being just a bit behind the Favia and Dal Forno on this date. As a side note, this bottling is a bit of a mystery to me, as it has the same grapes in the same proportions as the "standard" Ornellaia, and for the 12 vintages of this wine, there are zero (yep, a big goose egg) TNs, so, at the risk of violating CT protocol, I'm copying this TN into the "standard" Ornellaia section (yeah, I also love attention). I note that some Solares have a particularly artistic label, but this one did not. 96-97+++
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8/21/2021 - Kim Gerner wrote: 92 Points
Aarhus: Lots of blackberry, cherry and mint. As expected extremely youthful and tough to drink - in other words much too young. A "very warm" and rich Bordeaux blend. Needs many years in cellar. 15% abv [AArhus Plan B]
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7/31/2021 - Brian of Mull Likes this wine: 95 Points
Opened 2 hours. Color is deep garnet. On the nose: Plum, cassis, leather, hint of cinnamon and some green vegetal notes. On the palate: Rich Plums, cinnamon, cassis and pomegranate. Tannins evident at the end. Silky mouthfeel.This is a very young sensuous wine. Needs time say 5+ years.
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7/30/2021 - Frijole wrote:
dark blackish plum, little clarity, ruby hue
Nose: black plum, blackberry, licorice, violets, tobacco, minerals, stem, chocolate, vanilla, cedar
Pal: black plum, blackberry, licorice, minerals, tar, tobacco, stem, dark chocolate, tannins, cedar
Feel: medium, full
Finish: long
T8
a touch unbalanced
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6/30/2021 - AjitK Likes this wine: 92 Points
Amazing wine but very very young. Gave it 3 hour decant. Very tannic and great acidity. New oak pops through nicely. Plenty of fruit and savory Mediterranean herbs. Layers or flavor. Will open next bottle in 10 years
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3/27/2021 - aquacongas wrote: 97 Points
blind
Very opulent and elegant. Fruit driven but not boring or over extracted. Ripe soft but firm Tannins. At least 10 more years. I guessed Italy, you feel CS but in the beginning not Bordeaux like. One hour later more like a left bank wine. better than Sassi 2016 two weeks before. 97+
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1/13/2021 - streethawk Likes this wine: 94 Points
From 375mL. Decanted for 90 minutes. Deep garnet in the glass with clearing at the edges. Nose of tobacco, leather, spice, chocolate, cassis, and some red fruit. Palate is all about structure, with firm tannins that are very prominent at this point. Dense and concentrated. Medium+ acidity. There is a lot of fruit on the initial attack but subsequent waves of flavour are all oak-derived and then the tannins bring it home. Very long and complex finish. This wine is way too young and needs time to integrate, but it has all the elements to be great with another 4-5 years in bottle. Maybe it won’t reach the greatness of 2016, but I think it will be close!
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11/2/2020 - rlove wrote:
Deep, dark in color. Tenuta dell'Ornellaia's 2017 Bolgheri Superiore offers a rich, ripe bouquet of cassis, tobacco, an herbal greenness, smoke, and cedar on the nose. Dark fruit interwoven with cedar, the fruit is rich and dense but doesn't show much weight or extraction. Drink starting 2024. (56% Cabernet sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit verdot, and 9% Cabernet franc)
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9/25/2020 - wineappellation Likes this wine: 96 Points
Deep color. Immediately open with purple and black fruits, camphor, tobacco, sweet vanilla, tar, leather, minerals and black olive. Full bodied, it has excellent tension and complexity on palate. Delicious despite its youth. Lingering long finish. Superb and spot on! 96+
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7/15/2020 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
Tasted alongside the '15, this is far more approachable. I think this has something of an x-factor in this vintage, and I suppose as people begin to open their bottles, they'll discover the same, and keeping them in the cellar will prove a challenge. Seriously good, and well on its way to more greatness. highly recommended
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