On the nose, hot, meaty, umami aromas hold court, but dark fruit and a sanguine, tangy metallic component prevent those notes of smoke, pepper and tar from becoming overpowering. Undertones of vanilla and chocolate lift the fruit on the palate, but unyielding tannins and energetic acid ensure the spicy earthiness endures.

This is one of the great vintages for this cuvée and would be a wine for lovers of Bordeaux. The 2021 Le Serre Nuove Dell'Ornellaia sports a saturated red hue and opens to a great layered and harmonious nose, with aromas of kirsch, leather, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and crushed flowers that all resonate together with wonderful purity and depth. It’s open and generous on the palate, with refined, polished tannins, outstanding length, and refreshing acidity that’s seamlessly woven into the wine. Boy, is this hard to resist now and is a truly stunning wine from recently departed winemaker Olga Fusari. Bravo. Stash as much of this as you can away – it’s one for the ages. A great feather in the cap for Axel Heinz as well, it can only increase anticipation of the house’s top label for next year. Bravo tutti.

A firm and linear red with currant, berry, chocolate and cedar character. It’s medium- to full-bodied. Fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s tight and focused. Energetic and bright. 50% merlot and 28% cabernet sauvignon and the rest split equally between petit verdot and cabernet franc. Better after 2026.