2015 Ornellaia Bianco

Very pronounced on the nose, which suggests lemon meringue, dried guava peel, orange blossom, mangoes, dried papaya, vanilla and even kiwis. Full-bodied and very structured and layered, reflecting its innate freshness, but most of all power and massive phenolics. Deservedly one of Italy’s best whites. Drink now or hold.

The 2015 Ornellaia Bianco, 100% Sauvignon (with a touch of Gris) is quite a powerful wine. In 2015, the Bianco has a real phenolic edge that gives the wine structure and its distinctive feel. The white peach and floral notes offer quite a bit of precision. I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later.

The 2015 Bianco Ornellaia will be released in October 2017. This new vinous creation was inaugurated just three years ago. Back then, it represented a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. We saw the percentage of Viognier reduced in the 2014 vintage and it has now been completely removed in this edition. This wine is a pure expression of Sauvignon and I'm told that the 2016 vintage will be the same. The wine was bottled in December 2016, so I preview tasted it just a few months after it was put into glass. Because 2015 is a warm vintage, General Manager Alex Heinz tells me that the Viognier risked tasting too heavy and viscous. Instead, you get the crisp linearity and pristine aromas that remind you of a white Bordeaux, evidently the inspiration for this Tuscan wine. It is fermented in 30% new oak and rests on the lees for one year with frequent stirring. The wine is rich and silky in texture with fragrances of exotic fruit, honey and saffron. There is a delicate touch of alcohol as well. Balanced acidity and salty mineral nuances cap the powerful experience.