12 bottles per lot
Details
Bordeaux 1990 *****
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 C 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 Cabernet Sauvignon. July was excessively hot, up to just short of 39 degrees C 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 beneficial 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 coloring matter. Michael Broadbent M.W.
Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1990
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Levels into neck
Tasting note: The 1990 Lafite has turned out far better than my early assessment. While it still possesses some firmness, and performs like a late adolescent in terms of its evolution, it boasts gorgeous aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and lead pencil shavings. The explosive aromas are followed by a fleshy, full-bodied wine that should hit its peak in 5-8 years, and last for 25-30 more. 97 points. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 183 (Jun 2009)
12 bottles per lot
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 C 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 Cabernet Sauvignon. July was excessively hot, up to just short of 39 degrees C 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 beneficial 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 coloring matter. Michael Broadbent M.W.
Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1990
Pauillac, 1er cru classé
Levels into neck
Tasting note: The 1990 Lafite has turned out far better than my early assessment. While it still possesses some firmness, and performs like a late adolescent in terms of its evolution, it boasts gorgeous aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and lead pencil shavings. The explosive aromas are followed by a fleshy, full-bodied wine that should hit its peak in 5-8 years, and last for 25-30 more. 97 points. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 183 (Jun 2009)
12 bottles per lot