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2006 Vintage
The 2006 growing season was marked by rainy winter and by warm spring days, which extended the bloom period well beyond the first week of June. April through August saw practically no rain at all, which resulted in the vines' producing clusters somewhat smaller than the norm. A not overly-hot summer allowed the vines to develop fine aromatic components and a good crop. Excellent weather during the ripening period, combined with the smaller size of the berries, produced fruit with exceptional concentration. The start of harvest witnessed wonderfully sound, ripe fruit, with good concentration.
Vinification and Ageing
Selecting only the best quality fruit in the vineyards, the clusters were carefully hand-picked into small boxes and transported to the winery where a second quality selection was carried out on a double sorting table, both before and after the grapes were de-stemmed. The grapes were then given a gentle pressing, and each separate grape variety and each vineyard block was fermented separately, for a total of 66 different base wines. The wines remained in barriques for 18 months in Tenuta dell'Ornellaia's temperature controlled cellars. After 12 months, the final blend was assembled from the base wines, and underwent six months of further ageing in barriques. The wine was then aged for 12 months in the bottle before release.
Winemaker's Notes
The main characteristic of Ornellaia 2006 is without a doubt its lush depth and ‘exuberance' ("L'Esuberanza"). Here is a powerful, concentrated wine whose intensity is immediately obvious. Its complex, rich bouquet is complemented by sweet, dense-packed tannins and a lively acidity, and all of its components are in admirable harmony creating a very elegant wine.
Reviews Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 97 points
The 2006 Ornellaia flows from the glass in a profound expression of ripe, dark fruit. With time in the glass layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak emerge, adding further complexity. This harmonious Ornellaia combines the richness of the vintage with superb freshness and awesome balance. Today the wine's sheer density almost manages to hide the tannins, but they are there, and the wine will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar. The 2006 Ornellaia is one of the highlights of this sensational Tuscan vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.
Wine Spectator 95 Points
Dark color, with loads of dark fruits on the nose, as well as licorice and berries. Hints of mint and cedar. Full-bodied, with refined yet chewy tannins and a ripe berry, coffee and chocolate aftertaste. New wood barrels shine through too. But all will come together with bottle age. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best after 2012. 12,080 cases made.–JS
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