The 2020 Ornellaia Magnum (1500ml) is a superb large-format release from one of Italy's most prestigious Super Tuscan estates. Produced at Tenuta dell'Ornellaia in Bolgheri, this Bordeaux-inspired blend combines the power of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Merlot and the aromatic complexity of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
The 2020 vintage was warm and relatively dry, but the coastal influence of Bolgheri and careful vineyard management helped preserve freshness. Ornellaia describes the vintage as having produced wines with excellent concentration, silky tannins and a strong aromatic profile, while retaining the balance necessary for long-term ageing.
The bouquet is rich and layered, showing blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum, followed by violet, Mediterranean herbs and sweet spice. With air, aromas of cedar, tobacco, liquorice, graphite and dark chocolate emerge. There is also a subtle balsamic character that gives the wine a distinctly Mediterranean dimension.
On the palate, it is full-bodied, powerful and remarkably polished. Dense cassis and blackberry fruit provide the core, while Merlot adds a generous, rounded mid-palate. Cabernet Sauvignon supplies structure and freshness, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributing floral, herbal and spicy complexity. The tannins are abundant but exceptionally fine-grained, giving the wine a luxurious texture.
The finish is very long and persistent, with dark berries, graphite, cedar, cocoa and liquorice gradually giving way to a savoury Mediterranean character. The wine has the concentration and structure to develop beautifully over many years.
Ben's Recommendation
For Wine More Cellars, the 2020 Ornellaia Magnum is a particularly strong collector's bottle. The 1.5L format is important here: the larger volume allows the wine to mature more slowly and generally results in a more gradual development of tertiary complexity.
