Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste 5eme Cru 1990

Jane Anson: A strikingly successful wine at 31 years old, from one of the great Cabernet Sauvignon vintages, requiring patience for the first decade but proving impressively long-lasting. Bilberry, loganberry and cassis fruits all very much still in play, set against smoked, grilled earth, flint and pencil lead nuances. A classic Pauillac, essence of Grand Puy Lacoste. Harvest September 17 to October 5, exact blend not recorded. 50% new oak for ageing. 95/100 (2021)

Robert Parker: The 1990 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a wine that I had not tasted for a number of years. For a long time it was stubborn and tannic, uncommon attributes in what was such a comely vintage. Now at 26 years of age, this bottle served by Xavier Borie suggests that finally the 1990 has come round. Deep in color, it has a gorgeous bouquet of black fruit, potpourri, graphite and melted tar. There is warmth here, but it does not impede upon the articulation of its origins in Pauillac. The palate has clearly melted in recent years, and maintains superb balance and weight. Sure, as Robert Parker himself remarked, it is evolving at a glacial pace—slower than the 1998 tasted alongside. That means its pleasure is going to be prolonged over many, many years. 95/100 (2016)

Jeff Leve: Powerful, full-bodied, rustic, but in a good way, the austerity in the currants with all the tobacco leaf, cigar box, green leafy, spicy herbs, and bright red, crisp fruits are everything you want in a classic Pauillac. About an hour of air will help the experience. 95/100 (2021)

Jancis Robinson: Similar aged, lightening ruby to the 1990 served alongside it with turbot. Big and sweet and round – seems fuller, richer and a bit older and dustier than the 1989 served alongside. Very long and powerful. Wonderfully rich and opulent. Sweet and perhaps a little bit simpler than the 1989 – though it would work better than the 1989 with richer food. 18/20 (2010)