With the same name as the winery—a reference to the grove of flowering ash trees surrounding it—Ornellaia is Tenuta dell’Ornellaia’s principal and flagship wine. The estate is known to produce outstanding wines even in poor vintages, a skill that surpasses that of other producers.

In the capable hands of winemaker Thomas Duroux and consultant Michel Rolland, the estate continues its long-standing, stellar record of world-class wine production. Even Tenuta dell'Ornellaia's "second" wines demonstrate high quality grape growing and flawless production methods. Located in Tuscany's tiny coastal DOC of Bolgheri, the estate was one of the first to plant vines in the area. With producers like Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Antinori, Grattamacco, and Le Macchiole among others, Bolgheri is the hotbed of winemaking momentum in Toscana.

The 63 acres of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with small plantings of Cabernet Franc vines, are set on elevated parcels composed of clay, gravel, and loam soils. The clones of diverse origins yield a rich palette of nuances. All grapes are destemmed, gently pressed, and introduced into either wooden or stainless steel fermentation vessels. Maceration takes place over a period of 25-32 days at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, during which time the wine completes its alcoholic fermentation. The juice remains unblended until the wines have spent approximately one year in small French barriques. The final cuvée is assembled to evoke the vinous finess of the Cabernet highlighted by ripe, aromatic notes of Merlot in an elegant yet firm style.

Since its debut in 1985, the estate’s signature wine continues to demonstrate excellence. The 2003 marks the first addition of Petit Verdot to this weighty Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend that typically carries a splash of Cabernet Franc. Heintz, increased the dosage of both Cabernets to provide for a more structured wine. While still more approachable than other vintages, the wine carries the trademark complexity and broad spectrum of flavors that make it one of the most elegant Super-Tuscans. The intense layers of flavor are structured by medium acidity, moderate tannins, and warm alcohol.