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After the turbulent weather conditions endured in the previous two years, 1990 with its predominantly dry and hot weather was a welcome relief to growers in Northern Spain.
However, in Rioja it was almost too dry and this caused some problems with flowering and ripening. The harvest began almost 2 weeks earlier than normal, with the Tempranillo grapes planted on the higher slopes being the most successful as they benefited from the cooler night temperatures. The wines are well balanced, display very good purity of fruit and have developed very well in cask and bottle over the last 10 years.
1990 was an excellent year in Ribera del Duero. Spring was warm and frost-free and the summer was hot but the high temperatures were tempered by welcome outbreaks of rain. Yields were up by 35% on the previous year and the quality is extremely high.