For the first time since the launch of Ornellaia’s Vendemmia d’Artista (Vd’A) project in 2006, Ornellaia has created limited-edition gold label bottles to commemorate the 2011 edition of Vendemmia d’Artista, a program that commissions a renowned artist to create a unique work and 111 labels for special bottles that are inspired by a unique characteristic of each new vintage. Only one gold label bottle, explaining the Vd’A 2011 project and the theme “ L’infinito’ on it, will be included in each case of six standard size 750ml bottles of Ornellaia 2011 purchased by retailers. Each vintage, unique in personality, inspires internationally renowned artists to interpret the specific ‘character’ for the Vendemmia d’Artista Arts Project. Both standard and gold label bottles will be available beginning this month, May 2014.
Michel Rolland, International Winemaker Consultant, said about the vintage 2011 “Bolgheri is today one of the world’s most celebrated winemaking areas. Everybody remembers the fantastic 2001 vintage. Ten years later, 2011 is as amazing as 2001 was. But we are now working better, and 2011 seems to me more sophisticated”.
Axel Heinz, Ornellaia Winemaker and Director of Production, said “The sun-filled, early-maturing 2011 vintage perfectly expresses the qualities of Ornellaia. The wine appears an intense, youthful ruby red. The nose offers rich fruit that is fully ripe yet at the same time crisp and lively, backgrounded by delicate nuances of balsam and toastiness. On the palate, the powerful concentration immediately impresses, as do the tannins, massive yet silk-smooth and glossy, which allows the wine to completely fill the mouth but with no feeling of heaviness. The finish, near endless, is deliciously pungent and spicy, with a welcome crispness throughout”.
On 12 June 2014, Ornellaia will be in the spotlight at a charity auction and gala dinner with 9 lots, which will include 8 special bottles created by Rodney Graham for Vendemmia d’Artista Ornellaia 2011 L’Infinito. Under the gavel of Jamie Ritchie, CEO & President Sotheby’s Americas & Asia, the auction will raise funds that will all go to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) of Toronto, the venue of the auction.