Bolgheri Rosso – Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2004
Philosophy
Our production philosophy revolves around Ornellaia’s obsession with excellence – at all levels. Every choice we make is of absolute importance and implies an all-consuming attention to detail. At no point in the production process are shortcuts allowed or tolerated, and this is how we succeed harvesting grapes that are of the very highest quality irrespective of the climatic conditions in that particular year.
During the harvest period analysis and empiric testing enables us to determine which grapes to pick and in which order. The tasting of the grapes allows us to better ascertain the ripeness of the tannins and the balance within the bunches in order to establish the optimum harvest time and the vinification technique for the grapes from each parcel of land. We then subject each and every grape to a double selection process. On the first table the quality of the bunches is checked, while during a second control every single piece of vegetation is removed.
The grapes from each vineyard ferment separately in individual tanks, in this way each individual base wine (of which there are more than 60) contributes its own character to creation of the final blend according to the specific conditions of the vineyard area from which it comes : a combination of soil type, climatic exposition, grape variety, … Only after a period of 12 months of ageing in French oak barrels will the base wines be selected and blended according to 2 principal criteria : the elegant expression required by Ornellaia and the character of vintage itself.
In the cellar
The cellar is the continuation of the vineyard. Here as well each vineyard is treated as an individual, vinified separately, with the objective to express the specific character of its parcel. Again the palate is our main tool, the daily tasting of the fermenting wines allow us to adapt extraction and maceration time to each of the 70 to 80 base wines, that will mature separately in small French oak barrels, before being selected and blended to achieve a subtle balance: expressing the specific character of the vintage while keeping Ornellaia’s voluptuous elegance.
Ownership
THE FRESCOBALDI FAMILY
For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence. The family has always looked to develop and celebrate the diversity of Tuscany’s terroir, being proud owners of some of the greatest vineyards in this region.
They always seek to maintain the identity and autonomy of each property.
ORNELLAIA, perceived as one of the world’s iconic wineries, has flourished under the Frescobaldi family’s ownership.
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia
Made with the same passion and attention to detail as Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is a true “second vin”. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot, it combines approachability and a depth of flavour with proven ageing potential.
THE 2004 GROWING SEASON
40% CABERNET SAUVIGNON
40% MERLOT
15% CABERNET FRANC
5% PETIT VERDOT
The weather of the 2004 growing season could be described as textbook-perfect. Winter saw adequate rainfall, without severe temperatures, and a sunny Spring was punctuated by brief rains. There was nothing to negatively impact budbreak, which took place between March 30 and April 10. Flowering revealed a high fertility of the buds, (resulting from the warm conditions of the previous year) and the promise of a very high yield was kept within desired quality limits by successive, and rigorous bunch-thinning. Early summer was mild with moderate temperatures followed by a hot, sunny August. These conditions were ideal in favouring a steady, physiological development in all the varieties. During the harvest period no rain interrupted the ripening, thus providing sufficient time to determine the perfect picking period for each variety and vineyard parcel. A total of 51 separate base wines were produced representative of the considerable diversity of Ornellaia’s terroirs. The first Merlot grapes, sourced from the youngest vineyards, were harvested on 2 September, but the majority reached full ripeness between 15-24 September, just as the Cabernet Franc was being harvested. From 25 September it was time to start harvesting the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the harvest was concluded in the first week of October.
WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES – 2004
“Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2004 is the product of a beautifully-balanced growing year and the lively vigour of younger vineyards. Both influences are in clear evidence in the wine. The colour exhibits a vibrant tonality but at the same time rich concentration. The nose offers fragrances of smooth, crisp-edged fruit that develops nicely into notes of spice and mint. On the palate, it is broad and full, with the smooth, herbaceous impressions of the Merlot enriched by the impressive fruit of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.”
Axel Heinz – September 2006
RATINGS – 2004
Wine Advocate 91
Wine Spectator 92
Antonio Galloni 90
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