Scoring 19 points on the Dionysian scale of 20-possible-points, the 1999 Ornellaia, at twenty years old, is at its peak.

Still ruby with a tinge of orange on the edge, the wine cost $85, now, they’re released at over $100; it has 14.5% alcohol, a bit high for an Italian food wine, and represented the Bolgheri area very well. It was served with a multi-course Italian dinner with fellow Dionysian Robert Bucknam.

 

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I must say that more recent versions of this wine had disappointed. Ornellaia is designed for lovers of big Californian Cabs.

When you get to share a perfectly cellared older world famous wine, the experience makes you happy that you have friends who enjoy this quality of life.

Black cherry, some cigar box, and a very long silky smooth finish helped the wine dance on your tongue. You hold a wine like this to your nose for much longer than usual and sip it extra slowly.

In Vino Veritas.