‘Needs Time’ is a category that will have a prominent element in the forthcoming web site. The pages will contain these missives as well as a host of other vinous related information.
These wines are a collection that is under the radar, generally needing a few more years in your cellar, and deserve light being shined on their existence.
They may be the second wine of a famous label, from a new or relatively undiscovered producer or region, sometimes a product that has been forgotten about for some time, perhaps no longer fashionable.
Importantly, they will be very good value-for-money, will evolve well, are superbly crafted and an excellent example of their varietal/blend, region, or vintage; probably all three.
The first missive evaluates the second wine from the Super Tuscan producer Ornellaia.
The Ornellaia estate was originally established by a member of the Antinori family who apparently wanted a wine that could compete with other family-owned Super Tuscans: his brother’s Solaia, and his cousin’s Sassicaia.
This domaine in the Bolgheri sub-region of Tuscany was established in 1981 and the first wine released was the 1985. A partnership between Robert Mondavi and the Frescobaldi bought it in 1999, with the Frescobaldis acquiring total control in 2005.
Bolgheri. The Tuscan climate is generally warm Mediterranean with adequate rainfall for grape growing. This sub-region has approximately 1,200 ha of vines on the Tuscan coast specialising in red Bordeaux blends, accounting for roughly 80% of the area under vine: the homeland of Super Tuscans. Initially, the wines could only be bottled as vino da tavola as there was no DOC until 1983: Bordeaux varieties were not covered by the legislation, but the wines sold for considerably higher prices than any other Tuscans.
DOC regulations now allow up to 100 per cent of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, up to 50 per cent of Syrah and Sangiovese and up to 30 per cent of other varieties. However, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the blends apart from this gem that is 50% Merlot.
Frescobaldi has three reds in this estate’s portfolio: the world-acclaimed Ornellaia, the entry level Le Volte, and the really hidden gem: Le Serre Nouve.
Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2021
Italy. 50% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot
Visiting the Ornellaia estate last June, an in-depth tasting of all their wines was undertaken, and Le Serre shone in terms of quality and exceptional value.
Slightly dodgy weather conditions started 2021 with June finally seeing the grapes dry out and a hot summer follow that allowed the harvest to fully ripen. Although yields were considerably down, quality is going to be high across the region.
For Le Serre, once the malolactic fermentation had been completed the wines were racked into oak barrels - 25% new and 75% used once - remaining in the cellar for 15 months.
Tons of dark fruits on the nose, very intense even at this early age, with hints of vanilla and then a palate that simply lingers and lingers. Powerful, opulent, concentrated and an absolute delight. Tannins, fruit and acidity all perfectly balanced and the dominant Merlot hits the ground running. Although it definitely needs a few more years, it is showing its stunning potential.
Drink 2030 to 2035.
£55.00 - Berry’s