Wine Spectator, Oct. 2010
($110) Structured and racy, showing blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors, with loads of currant. Full and tannic, yet polished and caressing, with an impressive and persistent finish. A marked change from some past vintages, with only Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot in the blend. Best after 2014. 96 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Aug 2010
($105) The 2008 Oreno is stunningly beautiful. An open, expressive bouquet laced with mint, red berries, roses and spices emerges with superb clarity and balance. The tension between the minerality of the vintage and the rich expression of fruit that is one of the house’s hallmarks play off each other beautifully here. The finish is utterly exquisite in its beguiling beauty. The 2008 isn’t the most powerful Oreno ever made, but it is quite possibly the most elegant, impeccably refined wine I have ever tasted here. Simply put, it is fabulous juice! In 2008 the percentage of Sangiovese is way down and Oreno is predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, a decision that has paid off handsomely. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
96 points
