THE 1990 GROWING SEASON
82% Cabernet Sauvignon
14% Merlot
4% Cabernet Franc
The climate for the 1990 vintage was characterised by moderate precipitation during the month of August and elevated temperatures during the final phases of berry maturation. The harvest was carried out entirely by hand, and the grapes were collected in baskets holding no more than 15 Kg. The grapes were harvested from the 1st of September to the 20th of September. Attention was given to careful grape selection and the grapes brought to the cellars were in excellent condition with 22-24.5 degrees Brix.
VINIFICATION AND AGEING
The grapes were destemmed and gently crushed and introduced partly into wooden fermentors and partly into stainless steel tanks. The period of fermentation and maceration lasted from 15-20 days. The wine was then racked and transferred to French oak barriques where it completed its malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in French oak barriques from February, 1991 until April, 1992 (15 months). 40% of the barriques were of new French oak and 60% were once-used. This period was followed by a further 16 months in the bottle before release.
RATINGS
Wine Advocate 92
Wine Spectator 96
Antonio Galloni 94
