Bolgheri Heatwave Hero: 2003 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with an almost black core. The nose is super-ripe: dark berries, espresso, cocoa, exotic spices and menthol-anise whispers. On the palate, it’s plush and warm—jammy black fruit, rounded tobacco, minerality slicing through the sweetness, and velvet tannins rounding out a long, lingering finish. Fleshy elegance meets Bolgheri power. 

Meet the Winemaker
In 2003, Axel Heinz (ex‑St‑Émilion, Frescobaldi favorite) seized a scorcher vintage and turned it into plush poetry. Hand-harvested, block‑fermented, aged ~18 months in 70 % new French oak—the result? A ripe, yet fresh-black iron fist wrapped in velvet gloves.

Wine Specs

• Varietals: 60 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 % Cabernet Franc, 15 % Merlot, 5 % Petit Verdot

• Vintage: 2003

• Region: Bolgheri DOC Superiore, Tuscany, Italy

• Aging: ~18 months French oak (70 % new), then ~6 months blending barrel 

• ABV: ~14.5 %

• Size: 750 ml

• Serve: 16–18 °C, decant for best expression

Critic Reviews

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 93 pts – “super‑ripe, open nose and jammy dark fruit… notable freshness, persistence, great balance and a lingering sweetness on the finish.” – Anticipated maturity: 2008–2018 

• Wine Spectator: 92 pts – “Subtle aromas of currant, coffee and blackberry… full-bodied, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Needs some time to mellow.” 

• Vinous: 93 pts – Deep, saturated ruby; sweet blackcurrant, plum, violet, chocolate, graphite, menthol; thick, polished, creamy finish 

• Wine Enthusiast: 92 pts – “Opulent but extremely silky… menthol, wild sage and seaside shrubbery accents recall coastal roots.” 

Food Pairings

• Herb-crusted rib-eye or venison ragù

• Aged Pecorino & truffle honey crostini

• Espresso-braised short ribs

Why You Need This Bottle
2003 was a scorcher—and Ornellaia turned the heat into velvet. Rich, opulent, yet fresh and polished. It's the kind of wine that says, “Yeah, I’ve arrived,” without raising your voice. Drink now for luscious power, or stash for your final supper flex.

Limited legends here—grab your 2003 Ornellaia now. Free shipping + VIP club perks. Add to Cart and sip the heatwave.