1993 Cabreo il Borgo - Tuscany IGT - 6 Bottles (0.75L)

Cellared flat at home.

Ruffino Cabreo Il Borgo 1993
The Ruffino Cabreo Il Borgo 1993 is a Super Tuscan wine, a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, originating from a Tuscan vintage, 1993, which was characterized by cool and rainy weather, leading to a slow maturation and wines with greater acidity and a leaner structure compared to warmer vintages. It is a vintage that favors finesse over power.

Appearance
Given its age and the characteristics of the vintage, the wine typically displays an evolved garnet red color, often with a more pronounced orange or brick-colored rim than in more concentrated vintages, attesting to its maturity and the greater transparency typical of Sangiovese in a cool year.

Aroma
On the nose, the 1993 vintage stands out for a very elegant, tertiary, and distinctly balsamic bouquet. The notes are less opulent and more ethereal:

Ethereal and Balsamic Notes: Mint, eucalyptus, camphor, and damp undergrowth.

Evolved Fruit: Small dried or spirits-soaked red fruits (cherry and raspberry), with an evolution towards light jam or dried fruit.

Tertiary and Savory: Sweet tobacco, worn leather, graphite, dried mushrooms, and a persistent scent of humus and wet leaves. Licorice and incense may be present, but with a subtler nuance.

Palate
The flavor reflects the "classic" nature of the vintage. It is a medium-structured wine, but with a vibrant and well-integrated acid backbone that keeps it alive and fresh.

Taste Sensation: Taut, savory, and mineral, with a return of balsamic and spicy notes (white pepper).

Tannins: The tannins are completely resolved, silky, and elegant, yet their presence is noticeable thanks to the acidity which enhances their texture.

Finish: The body is elegant and lithe, rather than powerful. The finish is long, clean, and fresh, with hints of aromatic herbs, kitchen spices, and an almost ferrous minerality.

Viticulture and Winemaking
As a classic Super Tuscan, the blend is Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to the cool climate of 1993, producers had to work to ensure optimal phenolic maturity and manage the higher natural acidity. The vinification and aging follow the house standard:

Long post-fermentation maceration to extract the necessary color and tannins.

Prolonged aging, typically 24 months or more in French oak barriques, essential for softening and integrating the strong acidity of the Sangiovese from this vintage.

Aging Potential
The Cabreo Il Borgo 1993 is an example of how the acidity of a cool vintage can ensure longevity. Although fully mature and ready to drink, well-stored bottles still retain surprising freshness and complexity. It is a wine that has evolved beautifully, offering a leaner, "Old World" profile compared to recent, more full-bodied vintages.