Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 94.0
The 1990 Ornellaia (magnum) foreshadows an opulent style that would become the norm in future years. A rich, dense Ornellaia, the 1990 offers exceptional balance in its expressive bouquet, ripe fruit and beautifully balanced acidity. Earthiness, licorice, smoke and menthol linger on the elegant finish. In 1990 temperatures were unusually warm toward the end of the growing season, which comes through in the wine’s generous, open personality. The 1990 Ornellaia is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The wine spent 15 months in French oak, 40% of which was new. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were hand-harvested from 1 to 20 September. Destemmed and crushed before fermentation in wood and stainless-steel tanks at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C. The period of fermentation and maceration lasted 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, 40% new and 60% second-use, for 15 months. Further 16 months in the bottle before release. Made by the late Tibor Gál. Mid ruby. Mainly young Cabernet Sauvignon vines – creditable with that in mind. Smells a lot more than eight years older than the 1998! Fully mature with a strong balsam note and slight dustiness. Getting a little old with the acidity coming to the fore but there is strong personality here. It’s just a little skinny now.
Anticipated maturity: 1995-2015
Vinous 94
The 1990 Ornellaia (magnum) foreshadows an opulent style that would become the norm in future years. A rich, dense Ornellaia, the 1990 offers exceptional balance in its expressive bouquet, ripe fruit and beautifully balanced acidity. Earthiness, licorice, smoke and menthol linger on the elegant finish. In 1990 temperatures were unusually warm toward the end of the growing season, which comes through in the wine’s generous, open personality. The 1990 Ornellaia is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The wine spent 15 months in French oak, 40% of which was new.
Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020
