Castello Banfi Sant' Antimo Excelsus 2001 750ml

An extremely limited release produced in only favorable vintages, ExcelsuS is an extraordinary wine made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot Each varietal is macerated and fermented for 20-25 days; then aged separately in French oak barrique for one year They are blended, and further matured in the bottle for an additional one to two years 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% MerlotGrowing Conditions: The seasonal conditions were marked by a severe early frost on Easter Eve that reduced the production Subsequently, sufficient rainfall at the end of June allowed for an optimal balance of water reserves in the soil The temperature climbed graduallHarvest Date: Merlot - end of AugustCabernBottl ing Date: March 2004Fermentation: Merlot: In stainless steel with partial maceration at 5% whole berry at 14C for two days, and brought gradually to 32C for the last day of alcoholic fermentation; after 9-10 days of maceration, the wine was rackedCabernet Sauvignon: Initial maceration at 12C for a few days in temperature-con