Podere Orma 2013

James Suckling has just released his 2013 Tuscan report, which has become highly regarded and capable of raising market prices quickly, as demonstrated last year. This year, the report is more significant due to the fact that the 2013 vintage will potentially surpass the mighty 2010 and 2007. While most of Europe struggled in 2013 Tuscany excelled, a cool spring lowered yields, while a cool summer ripened the grapes slowly and Autumn followed suit allowing the grape growers to pick ripe and balanced fruit. These exceptional conditions have resulted in several wines receiving their highest scores in years from the Wine Advocate, including Sassicaia and Tignanello. However, one of the big winners in Suckling’s report is Podere Orma, which has been awarded a remarkable 98 points: this is even more incredible considering it is priced today at £195 per 6x75cl.

Podere Orma is the latest Estate from Antonio Moretti, adding to their superb estates Tenuta Sette Ponti in Tuscany, famed for Oreno and Poggio al Lupo, cited in Maremma. Antonio Moretti, the owner of these grand estates is the founder of a department store chain and owner of Bonora and Carshoe, two luxury shoe brands. He purchased the Bolgheri winery Podere Orma from Napa’s Delia Viader and the Piedmont wine family of Gagliardo. It is a rising star and it is easy to understand why, the tiny 5.5 hectare vineyard is one of the very finest in Italy, located in the best location in Bolgheri… between Sassicaia and Ornellaia. It displays incredible terroir, which boasts a combination of sand, gravel, and galestro soil. Its incredible location benefits from sea breezes, which funnel up between the islands of Capraia and Elba to the west of Corsica. Moreover, they have employed Tuscany’s finest oenologist Carlo Ferrini, a superstar in the Italian winemaking tradition.

Podere Orma is a wine destined to join the highest tier of great Tuscan wines, the only issue is that the small vineyard only produces 2,500 cases a year, 1/12 of Tignanello and 1/6 of Sassicaia. It remains, however, a fraction of the price of these leading Tuscan wines. There is little question that this is a superstar in the making and the price will surely rise to reflect its achievements and soaring global cachet.

Podere Orma 2013 is a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. The wine is macerated for 18 days, followed by 15 days of fermentation. It is then aged for 12 months in French Barrique, followed by a year in bottle. Stylistically the nose displays black fruits and high notes of eucalyptus and mint. Blackcurrents and blackberries drive through on the palate, with notes of mushrooms, dark chocolate and ripe plums. The finish is rich, long, with polished tannins and delightful notes of sweet spice and leather. James Suckling says ‘This Bordeaux blend from Bolgheri is a challenger to Sassicaia and Ornellaia.’ It is, for now at a fraction of the price. We expect this to sell out across Europe at this price!

98 Points, James Suckling 
Aromas of blackberry, burnt orange, licorice and spice follow through to a full body, with super integrated and fine tannins plus a fabulous depth of fruit and center palate. This is a great wine. Drink in 2017.

6x75cl – £195 IB

To buy this wine click here.