1990 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

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.