Cellared flat at home. Ruffino Cabreo Il Borgo 1994 The Ruffino Cabreo Il Borgo 1994 is a Super Tuscan wine, a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, from the 1994 Tuscan vintage, which was considered small in production but of excellent quality. Here is a description of its typical characteristics and tasting notes: Appearance: At this age, the wine typically displays a garnet red color with an orange or brick-colored edge, a sign of its maturity. Aroma: On the nose, this vintage is known for its complex and evolved bouquet. You can expect a mix of floral, fruity, and savory notes. Common aromas include wilted rose, licorice, incense, and ash, along with notes of Mediterranean scrub, humus, and juniper berries. Some reviewers also note dried leaves, balsamic notes, and a hint of wild fennel. Other descriptors include tobacco, leather, and currants. Palate: The flavor is often described as savory and mineral, with spicy and balsamic returns. The fruit character, despite the wine's age, can still be present, with notes of dried red fruits like raspberry and cherry. The tannins are typically resolved and velvety, creating an elegant and harmonious mouthfeel. The wine is full-bodied and well-balanced, with a long and persistent finish that may show subtle notes of leather, mineral, and spice. Viticulture and Winemaking: The blend is a classic Super Tuscan combination, with Sangiovese providing elegance and acidity, and Cabernet Sauvignon adding structure and concentration. The grapes are harvested separately and fermented in stainless steel tanks, followed by a long maceration period. The wine then undergoes a lengthy aging process, typically for at least 24 months in French oak barriques, before being bottled. Aging Potential: The 1994 vintage of Cabreo Il Borgo was a wine built for aging. While fully mature, it has retained its structure and complexity, with some critics suggesting it still has a long life ahead. Ruffino Cabreo Il Borgo 1997: The Legendary Vintage The 1997 vintage is universally recognized as one of the best, if not the best, in Tuscany in the 1990s, often referred to as "legendary" or "blockbuster." The near-perfect climatic conditions led to exceptionally ripe, concentrated, and structured grapes. Wine Style (vs. 1994): While the 1994 is an example of elegance and finesse due to a smaller harvest, the 1997 represents power, richness, and concentration. The Cabreo Il Borgo 1997 is a wine built for the long haul. Appearance: After over two decades, the color is still a deep, intense ruby red, with a less noticeable garnet edge than the 1994, indicating greater initial extraction and concentration. Aroma: The bouquet is opulent and dense. The fruit notes are darker and richer, dominated by ripe black cherry, cassis, and preserved plum. These are intertwined with complex tertiary notes of pipe tobacco, leather, dark chocolate, sweet licorice, and exotic spices. The balsamic character is less dominant than the powerful fruit. Palate: The taste is full-bodied and concentrated, with an intense fruit core and an almost "chewable" texture. The tannins, while substantial and powerful, are now perfectly integrated and polished, conferring a velvety yet energetic mouthfeel. The acidity, while not as prominent as in the 1994, is sufficient to maintain balance and freshness. The finish is very long, powerful, and persistent, leaving hints of coffee and minerality. Aging Potential: The Cabreo Il Borgo 1997 is a wine with exceptional aging potential. While wonderfully complex and ready to drink, its structure and concentration suggest it can evolve further for many more years.