The Ornellaia 2018 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia is mostly Merlot, but the rest of the blend is filled out with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Indeed, dedicating a portion of fruit to an entry-level wine such as this (with an annual production of some 750,000 bottles) ensures lower yields and high quality for other wines in the estate portfolio. The vines are planted at 60 to 80 meters above sea level, and the soils see a mix of deep clay, red sand and rocks. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur in steel vats, and the wine is aged partly in barrique and a part cement for 10 months. This vintage is very primary and simple with bright high tones of raspberry and wild blueberry followed by some almond and toasted nut. The mouthfeel is compact and direct. Le Volte was released in March 2020.

There’s purity of fruit here with crushed plums, flowers, fresh sage and rosemary on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied, yet soft and pretty at the finish. Very drinkable now.

Subdued aromas of cassis and Mediterranean scrub emerge from the glass. The firm palate offers sour cherry, tangerine zest and tobacco alongside taut tannins. KERIN O’KEEFE