This is a very modern styled cabernet blend from the Ornellaia stable in Bolgheri in Tuscany.  In fact, it’s a blend of 57% merlot, 17% cabernet sauvignon, 14% petit verdot and 12% cabernet franc.  The 2011 vintage in Bolgheri was a hot one, and this wine reminds of a sort of half way house between a new world Coonawarra cabernet style and, despite the merlot dominance, a left bank Bordeaux.  It has aromatics of licorice and soy.  The texture and still maturing tannins on the palate suggest a long life ahead and distinguishes this wine from its new world contemporaries.  Medium length on the finish completes what is a balanced wine that is drinking well. It should improve in the cellar over the next few years.  (Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy, Rating: Good to Very Good, Would I buy it based on this tasting? Yes, Drink: 2020 to 2027, Tasted: April, 2017)

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