1990 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The spectacular 1991s will not be released for another year. As impressive as these wines are, the 1990s have a slight edge at present. The 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot) reveals an astonishingly deep color, as well as a huge aroma of smoky cassis, chocolate, and licorice. In the mouth, it is a powerful wine, with great stuffing, wonderful structure, enough acid and tannin to frame the wine's immense size, and a formidable finish. I was told the yields were a minuscule 2 tons per acre. While it should not be drunk before the mid to late nineties, it has the potential to easily last for 20 years.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
About the producer
Dalla Valle Vineyards was founded in 1986 by Naoko and her late husband Gustav Dalla Valle, in Oakville. Initially they had wanted to create a luxury resort, but when they discovered the potential of the site, they changed tack and decided to make wine.