Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2024

Ornellaia has shaped Bolgheri since 1981. Lodovico Antinori founded it, the Frescobaldi family owns it today, Marco Balsimelli is technical director. Le Serre Nuove has been the second wine since 1997, from younger parcels and made with the same care as the Grand Vin. Merlot leads, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 2024 brought rain into June, then two hot months and cool nights off the sea. Picking began in early September, then 15 months in barrique. Aldo Fiordelli scores it 94 points for James Suckling and finds cloves, toast, restrained dark fruit, balsamic and a hint of eucalyptus. Full-bodied, with refreshing acidity, velvety grainy tannins and a tight, savoury finish. For us the shortest route into the house style.