2014 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Tuscany (1.5 L) Magnum

Every famous wine country has its icon bottlings, and few Italian reds have captured as many hearts as Ornellaia. One of the world’s most accomplished wines of the last 35+ years, the legendary Super Tuscan producer is often referred to as “Italy’s First Growth,” a nod to Ornellaia’s ability to stand alongside its $500-$800+ counterparts in Bordeaux.

We were reminded of Ornellaia’s longevity when we visited the estate last summer. Driving south of the famed cypress-lined avenue of Bolgheri, the Ornellaia estate visibly drips with pedigree. The original Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc vines here were planted by the legendary enologist André Tchelistcheff, who told founder Lodovico Antinori that the property was a viticultural “El Dorado.” 

Some of the finest Bordeaux blends in the world today are in fact coming out of Tuscany’s coastal Maremma. Ornellaia remains at the top of its game, right up there with its rival, Sassicaia—they’re both absolute beauties that offer a real challenge to some of the most established Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux properties in quality, cellar-potential, and price.