The 1988 Ornellaia is a historic vintage that impressively demonstrates the potential and quality of this Super Tuscan wine in its early years. The Tenuta dell'Ornellaia winery had only produced a few vintages at the time, but the 1988 vintage was crucial in establishing this wine's international reputation. The blend consists primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which gives the wine its structure, complexity, and longevity.

In the glass, the Ornellaia 1988 displays a deep ruby ​​red color with clear signs of ripeness, transforming into brick-red rims. The nose reveals complex aromas of dark berries, ripe cherries, and plums, accompanied by secondary notes of tobacco, leather, and cedar. With increasing ripeness, elegant tertiary aromas develop, such as undergrowth, truffle, earth, and balsamic nuances, lending the wine remarkable depth and complexity.

On the palate, the 1988 Ornellaia is full-bodied, with ripe, silky tannins and well-integrated acidity that gives the wine a sustained freshness. The fruit is ripe and concentrated, with dark berry flavors beautifully blending with notes of spice, tobacco, and a subtle minerality. The structure is powerful yet balanced, typical of Ornellaia's classic vintages. The finish is long and complex, with impressive balance and depth.

The 1988 Ornellaia has evolved superbly over the past few decades and is at its peak, but can still mature for several more years. It demonstrates how well this wine can age, maintaining its freshness and complexity over long periods.