1990 Maestro Raro

Felsina's proprietary red wine called Maestro Raro, a Cabernet Sauvignon aged in small oak casks, is a deeply-colored, but excruciatingly tannic style of Cabernet that requires considerable patience. In tasting five vintages (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992), I was struck by how backward, woody, and tannic these wines are. The 1990 exhibits earthy, ripe fruit, high tannin, plenty of wood, and a compact personality, but there is good depth present. The question mark next to the wine's rating is due to its high tannin. 3-4 more years of bottle age will reveal whether this wine has any serious merit. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907