2016 represents another immensely successful vintage highlighting all the virtues of Bolgheri’s climate: abundant sunshine without excessive heat, a dry summer to allow the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness and concentration, and just about enough rain to avoid stress. All these elements combine to yield a wine that shows lush ripeness and crisp firmness, opposing forces creating a certain raciness we like to describe as ‘tension’.
A particularly dark and young color is the prelude to a complex nose of black berries, spices and cedar. The palate is rich and dense, balanced by a refined and firm tannic structure, lifted by a juicy and bright acidity.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review - Rated 98:
James Suckling calls the 2016 Ornellaia exceptionally vibrant, powerful, and concentrated, with dark cherries, mulberries, and plums accented by espresso, cocoa, and cedar. Long, regal tannins focus the plush dark fruit and give the wine a commanding but polished structure. Its balance is a defining strength, with the review recommending drinking from 2025 onward.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Review - Rated 98:
Wine Advocate praises the 2016 Ornellaia for exceptional complexity, precision, and monumental depth. Layers of black fruit, coffee, licorice, baking chocolate, and dark spice are carried by a glossy texture and substantial concentration. The finish is exceptionally persistent, and the review strongly favors cellaring this powerful vintage.
Wine Spectator Review - Rated 96:
Wine Spectator awarded the 2016 Ornellaia 96 points. This existing score has been retained for the special-edition La Tensione bottling. It remains one of the wine's leading published ratings.
Wine Enthusiast Review - Rated 95:
Wine Enthusiast describes the 2016 Ornellaia with cedar, French oak, cassis, coconut, and dried black cherry. Racy acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins provide lift and structure beneath the ripe fruit and oak tones. The review recommends a drinking window from 2024 through 2036.
