Winemaker's Notes
Ornellaia Bianco 2020 presents an enticing bouquet of aromas that captivate the senses from the first swirl. Fragrant notes of ripe orchard fruits, including juicy pear, golden apple, and succulent peach, mingle with hints of tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango, creating a luscious and inviting aroma profile. Subtle floral undertones of white flowers add an elegant touch, while a hint of minerality lends depth and complexity.
On the palate, this Bianco reveals a rich and layered texture, with flavors that mirror its aromatic complexity. Ripe fruit flavors dominate, with the sweetness of the orchard fruits balanced by a zesty acidity that provides freshness and vitality. Citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit add brightness and dimension, while a touch of oak aging contributes subtle nuances of vanilla and spice.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review - Rated 96:
Creamy nose with quince, stones, sour cream and golden berries on the nose. Quite tangy, bone-dry and saline on the palate with impressive concentration and tension. Fresh, sleek and full-bodied with a long, zingy finish that lasts almost a minute. Saline and lightly creamy at the end.
Jeb Dunnuck Review - Rated 95:
A similar bright yellow/silver, the 2020 Ornellaia Bianco is entirely Sauvignon Blanc raised in barrels and offers a sunny and delicately rounded bouquet, with polished notes of candied grapefruit, salted pineapple, peach rings, and custard. Medium to full-bodied, it has a silky sheen to its texture and harmonious balance, with its delicate perfume lasting long on the finish. This is another exceptional white that I hope is not ignored by lovers of this estate. Truly one of the great Tuscan whites, this luxurious and detailed wine has a lot of elegance and serious aging potential.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Review - Rated 94:
This wine that once featured Viognier in the blend, is now 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The 2020 Ornellaia Bianco is quite tropical and generous in personality with immediate aromas of papaya, Golden Delicious apple and crushed stone. The wine is beautifully textured and long lasting. I asked if Vermentino might ever feature in this blend (to bring in a Tuscan grape), but the answer is no for now. Vermentino already plays a role in the estate’s very popular entry-level Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia. Viognier is being cut because the grape is difficult, and if you don’t hit the harvest date just right, it can appear flabby and waxy.
Wine Enthusiast Review - Rated 94:
The nose indulgently blends fruit and herbs, like pineapple sorbet drizzled with basil syrup, with umami undertones of Pecorino cheese and toasted almonds keeping things in elegant balance. On the rich palate, pineapple continues and is joined by lemon curd, but the saltiness of the cheese perseveres to cut through the luxuriousness.
| Winery |
Ornellaia |
| Country/Region |
Italy, Tuscany
|
|
| Year |
2020
|
| Grape Varietal |
Bordeaux White Blend
|
|
| Size |
750 ML
|
| ABV |
13% |
| Wine Style |
White Wine |
