12 bottles per lot
Details
1990 Vintage Report: An excellent vintage with similar attributes to the '89 but certainly not an identical twin. First, the growing conditions. January to March unusually warm and sunny, up to 25 degrees on 24 February, advancing vegetation. Beneficial rain in April, followed by a very hot, dry and sunny May. The flowering was uneven and prolonged, satisfactory for the Merlots, less so for the Cabernet Sauvignon. July was excessively hot, up to just short of 39 degrees on the 21st. This heat had a reverse effect, hindering maturation by impeding the rising of the sap. August was warm and dry. Unlike 1989 this did not deter the ripening, as a well-timed sprinkling of rain in September enabled the grapes to be harvested from around mid-month. In general, the Merlots were in remarkable condition with some of the highest levels of sugar ever recorded. The later ripening Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were small and thick, with a concentration of juice and colouring matter. M.B.
Château Latour--Vintage 1990
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Tasting note: Latour 1990: Tasted also blind, at a Rodenstock dinner alongside the other first growths, its bouquet I noted as earthy and spicy, opening up beautifully. Despite its tannin it had a delicious flavour, by no means the mammoth I would have expected. Most recently, also alongside all the first growths, I noted it as having wonderful depth and resonance; a classic, cedary Pauillac nose; some ripe sweetness, full-flavoured, leathery, tannic texture, good length and dry finish. Last noted at the Penning-Rowsells', June 2000 ****(*) M.B.
12 bottles per lot
Château Latour--Vintage 1990
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Tasting note: Latour 1990: Tasted also blind, at a Rodenstock dinner alongside the other first growths, its bouquet I noted as earthy and spicy, opening up beautifully. Despite its tannin it had a delicious flavour, by no means the mammoth I would have expected. Most recently, also alongside all the first growths, I noted it as having wonderful depth and resonance; a classic, cedary Pauillac nose; some ripe sweetness, full-flavoured, leathery, tannic texture, good length and dry finish. Last noted at the Penning-Rowsells', June 2000 ****(*) M.B.
12 bottles per lot
Special notice
Offered duty paid, but available in bond. VAT at 17.5% will be charged on the hammer price on removal of the lot from bond.