WA 93 / VM 92 / WS 92
93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2003 Ornellaia (magnum) is another impressive wine. Owing to the heat of the vintage, this is an especially ripe, opulent Ornellaia. The blend contains a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc and less Merlot than is the norm, which helps preserve a measure of freshness. It is also the first vintage where Petit Verdot is part of the blend. Dark, jammy fruit is nicely balanced by a vein of minerality that gives the wine clarity and length, yet the tannins are a touch less finessed than in the finest years, which is consistent with the quality of the vintage. The final blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, aged a total of 18 months in French oak, 70% new. This is without question a very impressive
92 points Vinous
Deep, saturated ruby. Wonderfully sweet aromas of blackcurrant, violet, smoky plum and milk chocolate, complicated by nuances of graphite and menthol. Thick and powerful in the mouth, with a penetrating sweetness of fruit accentuated by superrich milk chocolate and espresso flavors. Highly polished tannins and sound acidity leave the mouth basking in a creamy, long finish. This is the first vintage in which petit verdot was included in the blend (the fruit comes from the seven-year-old Olivo vineyard), and you can actually pick up its presence, especially on the floral nose
92 points Wine Spectator
Subtle aromas of currant, coffee and blackberry, yet rather coarse on the palate just now. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Needs some time to mellow. (JS) Inner quote mark (10/2006)
