An integrated, ripe red with currant, berry and light tobacco character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Second wine of Ornellaia. Lovely now, but better in a year or two. Try after 2021.

The 2017 Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is plump, juicy and so seductive, with pretty floral and savory top notes that add a touch of freshness to balance things out. Medium in body and wonderfully inviting, Le Serre Nuove also has quite a bit of energy for the year. The Merlot was picked starting on August 24, which is very early, even within the context of modern-day warm vintages. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, licorice and mint nuances linger in the glass. This is such a pretty wine.

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this opens with aromas of violet, tobacco and green peppercorn. The savory, youthfully tense palate offers black plum, licorice, toasted oak and mocha alongside fine-grained tannins.