1988 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Ornellaia" Bolgheri Superiore

Bid on this bottle of 1988 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Ornellaia" Bolgheri Superiore (96DC, 96JA, 93RP, 93WS, 92VN). Decanter: "In the 1988, the Merlot was harvested on 14 September and the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were harvested starting on 20 September, so it could be considered a very classic vintage. The wine, with a great proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc) was aged in 40% new French oak for at least 11 months. At that time labelled as Vino da Tavola, this wine was poured from a magnum. The nose shows an amazing complexity of fresh cherry jam, coffee grounds, dry flowers and dry mushrooms, game, tobacco and leather. There's a Margaux-like macerated violet note, too. It's full, crisp and still tight on the palate, with chewy tannins of a drier finish, possibly due to the then-young vines. It's a very attractive old-fashioned style, super-detailed and gourmet – a harbinger of emotion. (AF)" (09/2023)