Parker about Ornellaia 1990
Another super effort from this producer, Ludvico Antinori's 1990 Ornellaia is a worthy successor to the super 1988. Fat, supple, and loaded with black-cherry and curranty fruit, and a dash of vanillin from new oak barrels, this full-bodied, velvety-textured, opulent wine should drink well for 10-12 years. As good as the Ornellaia is, it is hard to imagine how terrific the single vineyard offering Ornellaia called Masseto must be in 1990. Several of my Italian friends claim it is absolutely brilliant.
Description
Land | Italy |
Region | Tuscany |
Rebsorten | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot |
Alkoholgehalt | 13.50 |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Ornellaia Srl, Loc. Ornellaia 191, 57022 Castagneto Carducci, Italy |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2006 - 2036 |
Parker Punkte | 92 |
Jahrgang | 1990 |
Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹
Goes well with

Ornellaia 1990

The 1990 Ornellaia is an outstanding vintage from this legendary Super Tuscan, demonstrating the winery's early excellence. Founded in 1981, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia quickly established itself as a producer of some of Italy's finest wines, and the 1990 vintage is one of the milestones in the winery's history. The Ornellaia is a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, which demonstrates perfect balance and exceptional finesse in this vintage.
In the glass, the Ornellaia 1990 reveals a deep ruby red color with signs of ripeness, transforming into brick-red rims. The nose is intense and complex, with deep aromas of ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, and plums, underscored by notes of tobacco, leather, cedarwood, and spices such as nutmeg and anise. With further ripeness, elegant tertiary notes such as truffle, undergrowth, and balsamic nuances develop, lending the wine additional depth and character.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, powerful, and yet wonderfully balanced. The tannins are velvety and perfectly integrated, giving the wine a soft, luxurious texture. The fruit remains vibrant and is accompanied by spicy, earthy, and slightly smoky notes. The acidity provides freshness and gives the wine remarkable structure and longevity. The finish is long and complex, displaying an impressive balance between power and elegance.
The 1990 Ornellaia is in its ideal drinking window, but can also age for several more years, as it has exceptional cellaring potential. This wine demonstrates the ability to retain both power and finesse for decades.