Chateau Haut Brion 1990

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "WOW! Off the hook in every sense. The wine is rich, full, deep and intense. Concentrated, long, rich, balanced, elegant refined and harmonious, there is nothing out of place here. This is close in quality, but a bit less concentrated than the majestic 1989. Slightly less intense, but it sells for fraction of the price. Haut Brion lovers with deep pockets should be all over this gem!"

WINEADVOCATE: "1990: In terms of the brilliant complexity and nobility of the aromatics, scorched earth, black currants, plums, charcoal, cedar, and spices, the 1990 offers an aromatic explosion that is unparalleled. It is always fascinating to taste this wine next to the 1989, which is a monumental effort, but much more backward and denser, without the aromatic complexity of the 1990. The 1990 put on weight after bottling, and is currently rich, full-bodied, opulent, even flamboyant by Haut Brion’s standards. It is an incredible expression of a noble terroir in a top vintage. While it has been fully mature for a number of years, it does not reveal any bricking at the edge, and I suspect it will stay at this level for another 10-15 years ... but why wait? It is irresistible now. Release price: ($1200.00/case)"

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Granat, ziegelroter Schimmer. Viel Bleistiftnoten, Pfeffermehl, sehr duftig, mit gewissem Würzdruck, Nussnoten. Im Gaumen Tabak und Nelkenköpfe, mürbes Tannin, zeigt Finesse und noch feine Reserven, noch nicht ganz auf dem Höhepunkt."

ROBINSON: "Both this and La Mission 1990 seemed much more youthful than most red bordeaux 1990s. High toned. Hint of paint. Fine. Racy. Lacy. Sweet and gorgeous but this is still, unlike so many 1990 bordeaux, extremely appetising."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 1990 Haut-Brion is exotic, flamboyant and super-expressive. Dark fruit, leather, licorice and grilled herbs are all amped up. Although the 1990 doesn’t quite have the aromatic depth and intensity of the very finest years, it is nevertheless a stunning, gorgeous wine of the highest level."

WINESPECTATOR: "Racy and refined, with firm, silky tannins and a long finish. Full-bodied. Mushrooms and ripe fruit on the palate. Needs some bottle age to open. ´89/´90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Best after 2006."