The Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Ornellaia L’Incanto 2012 in a 1.5L magnum is a special edition of Ornellaia’s flagship Super Tuscan, crafted from the finest grapes of the estate located in Bolgheri, Tuscany. The L'Incanto label is part of Ornellaia’s Vendemmia d’Artista series, a collaboration between the winery and contemporary artists, celebrating each vintage’s distinct character. The 2012 vintage, titled L’Incanto or The Enchantment, was marked by a hot growing season, which contributed to a powerful yet elegant wine with great depth and structure. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot represents the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking, and its magnum format allows for optimal ageing potential.

The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, followed by an additional year of bottle ageing, resulting in a harmonious, complex, and age-worthy wine.

Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, indicating both youth and potential for aging. The wine exhibits a rich viscosity, with slow-forming legs that suggest a full-bodied structure.

Aroma: The nose is rich and seductive, with complex aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry, mingling with notes of tobacco, cedar, and graphite. As the wine opens, hints of leather, dried herbs, and sweet spices such as clove and cinnamon emerge, along with a touch of dark chocolate and espresso.

Taste: Full-bodied with a velvety texture and fine, well-integrated tannins. The palate is layered with flavours of dark cherry, cassis, and plum, complemented by savoury notes of tobacco, leather, and earthy truffle. The oak ageing has imparted subtle hints of vanilla, mocha, and spice, adding to the wine’s complexity. A bright acidity balances the richness of the fruit, ensuring freshness and elegance despite its power.

Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spices, and a subtle minerality. The tannins are firm yet polished, promising excellent ageing potential in this magnum format, allowing the wine to evolve gracefully over the next two decades.

Food Pairing: Ornellaia L’Incanto 2012 pairs beautifully with robust dishes such as grilled ribeye steak or lamb chops, where the wine’s rich fruit and tannins complement the meat’s charred, savoury flavours. It also shines alongside slow-cooked dishes like osso buco or braised short ribs, where the wine’s depth and structure enhance the dish’s richness. Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano are ideal pairings, as their nuttiness and saltiness balance the wine’s bold character.