photo © Linda Blakely 2007
Robert Parker rated this wonderful wine 93 points, stating "The opulent 2003 Ornellaia (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) presents a dramatic contrast to the 2004 in its super-ripe, open nose and jammy dark fruit. Ample and warm on the palate, it is clearly the product of a very hot vintage, yet it shows notable freshness along with much persistence, great overall balance and a lingering note of sweetness on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.
Wine Spectator rated it 92 points. This is what they had to say: "Subtle aromas of currant, coffee and blackberry, yet rather coarse on the palate just now. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Needs some time to mellow. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best after 2009."
I thought this was an absolutely luscious wine. I had it with a perfectly cooked steak (rare!) with Lyonaise potatoes and it couldn't have been a better pairing! Tom was not as impressed, but he thinks his palate has been off lately due to taking medication for a sinus infection. I believe I enjoyed it enough for the both of us ;-)
