Luca Gardini, Best Italian Sommelier in 2004, on the 2006 Ornellaia
30/06/2009
Exuberant beginning with the color: lively, dense, impenetrable ruby with deep violet reflections. The nose offers great complexity and depth, with blackberries, cherries, a mixture of varietal and mineral aromas, geranium leaves, Taggiasca olives, bay leaf, carob, cocoa, cumin, and peppermint. As it breathes creamy nuances emerge, bringing to mind cocoa butter, toasted pine nuts, and tomato confit, finishing with lavender and iodine.
On the palate its enveloping nature, elegance and personality open the way to tannins that are opulaent but already display great class, with a beautiful balance between slight acidity and savor. A wine of tremendous balance, and everlasting, with notes of cherry, plum, bitter chocolate and India ink