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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2009 Ornellaia – Benchmark Super Tuscan with a Decade of Grace
The 2009 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore exemplifies the estate’s signature refinement and aging potential, drawn from the sun-kissed Tuscan coast. Crafted from meticulously selected vineyard parcels in Bolgheri, this vintage captures the essence of the region’s maritime terroir—balancing richness with structure and depth. A cornerstone of any Super Tuscan wine collection, it remains one of the most collectible expressions from Italy.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2009 reveals a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, dark cherry liqueur, cigar box, and dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is plush and layered, with a broad mid-palate, seamless tannins, and an earthy, graphite-laced finish. It has matured gracefully, displaying both elegance and concentration with remarkable balance after more than a decade in bottle.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
This vintage is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Ornellaia’s estate vineyards are planted on a mix of marine, alluvial, and volcanic soils—enhancing complexity and longevity. Vinified in stainless steel and aged for approximately 18 months in French oak (70% new), followed by a year of bottle aging prior to release.
Investment & Collectibility
2009 represents a bold, structured vintage with long aging potential, making it particularly attractive to collectors. With its track record for consistent performance and global demand, Ornellaia remains a blue-chip name in fine wine investment. Perfect for your collection or for vertical tasting alongside younger or older vintages.
Vintage Insights
2009 was a warm, sunny growing season in Bolgheri with minimal heat spikes and an extended ripening window, allowing optimal phenolic maturity. This contributed to wines with generous fruit, supple tannins, and early approachability—yet with enough structure to age gracefully for two decades or more.