Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2018

98 points Falstaff Guide: "Sparkling, rich ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Opens with rich dark berry fruit, followed by resinous Mediterranean herbs and a hint of cedar wood. Round and juicy on the palate, beautifully balanced, velvety, surprisingly well-integrated tannins, buttery and lots of fresh fruit, with a finish of sandalwood and gingerbread. (8/27/21)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Ornellaia is an introvert at this stage. Medium in body, with terrific persistence and impeccable balance, the 2018 is not in any mood to show all its cards today. Hints of red berry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and dried flowers emerge with a bit of coaxing. I won’t be surprised to see it put on weight with more time in bottle. There is certainly plenty to look forward to. Readers should expect a silky, aromatic Ornellaia in line with vintages such as 2004 that are more about finesse than raw power. This is the first time in which Merlot drives the blend in Ornellaia. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jan 2021)"

97 points James Suckling: "So aromatic and complex with blackcurrants, blueberries, fresh violets and lavender on the nose. Some graphite and iodine, too. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins that are polished and refined, yet the palate is so long and refined. This is an Ornellaia with strength in elegance. Try after 2025. (4/22/21)"

97 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc). Pure rich and seductive fruits in that generous way that Ornellaia has, with the most gorgeous smoky character. It is full of life and nuance and so moreish. Teases with its ability to give and take, structured yet soft, powerful but finessed, full of leather, vanilla bean, raspberry, red cherry, tar. All varieties are aged separately for 12 months then blended and then put back in barrel for 6 months, 70% new oak. First released through the Place in March 2021. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2023-2040. (7/23/21)"

96 points Aldo Fiordelli (Decanter): "Often seen as one of the most powerful wines from Bolgheri, and possibly too muscular up until the first decade of the 2000s, Ornellaia 2018 is lighter than usual - a fact which is the result of both the cooler vintage and a thoughtful style. In this vintage, Merlot is the prominent grape, reaching 51% of the blend. The nose is intoxicatingly fresh and full of spice, with restrained cassis, citrus, clove and black pepper, most likely benefitting from lighter extraction. Graphite minerality dominates the palate, together with sweet blond tobacco and dark fruits. The mid-palate shows good concentration, with crunchy, ripe tannins and brilliant acidity. A really great expression of Bolgheri, more focused on elegance than powerful. It perhaps has slightly less ageing potential - 20 years instead of 30 - yet it’s full of complexity. A blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. (Drink between 2021-2041. (Feb 2021)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$260 list] Complex, sophisticated and harmonious, this pure red is marked by black currant, black cherry, cedar, iron and light spice flavors. Bright and focused, with refined tannins emerging on the spice-tinged finish. Discreet and stylish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2040. (8/31/21)"

95 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$260 list] The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is complete and seamlessly stitched together with extreme care and precision. This is an almost technical blend of Merlot (at 50% of the blend for the first time), 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot that offers a true sense of wholeness and consistency that speaks to the blending expertise and experience of the winemaking team. Finding harmony among the various vinous components of the wine was especially important in this vintage that prized early-ripening grapes like Merlot over the others. Blackberry and dried cherry segue to spice, tar, campfire ash and more sweet fruit. We're off to a great start, and this vintage of Ornellaia is surely destined to flesh out and grow more complex with age. Drink: 2024-2045. (May 2021)"

95 points Wine & Spirits: "The 2018 Ornellaia is smooth and velvety, its plum and blackcurrant flavors enriched by layers of dark chocolate and warm spice. The flavors gain depth and richness with air, buoyed by cool acidity and tinges of fresh herbs. Polished and elegant, with impressive balance and intensity, it promises to be a long-lived version of this classic Bordeaux-style blend. (Oct 2021)"