Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 95
Served blind by Philippe Schofield at Chez Bruce, it is probably a pity that it had to follow the behemoths that are Haut-Brion and La Mission ’89. It patently had a light, leafier bouquet compared to the ’89 with a surprising level of rusticity, but finely tuned with an attractive ferrous accent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, fleshy in texture and lacking a little power. I wonder whether the low proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (31%) is beginning to tell? Still a lovely wine though. Drink now-2025. Tasted July 2010.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025
Vinous 93
Good medium color. Fabulous aromas of spicy cherries, minerals, tobacco and smoky oak. Saline entry, then intense, spicy fruit and excellent extract. Very firm and subtle, with outstanding clarity of flavor. Lovely ripe acids and a long, subtle aftertaste. Will no doubt live in the shadows of the larger-scaled, more dramatic ’89, but this very impressive wine should age beautifully. The Graves of the vintage in 1990!
JancisRobinson.com 18
Light crimson. Minerally nose. Very classic Haut-Brion. No sign of age on the rim. Fragrant. Light and lifted and not as concentrated as the 1989 but very valiant. A good expression of both Haut-Brion’s delicacy and 1990’s richness. Attractively sweet and long but easy to overlook as it is fairly transparent in every way. Just lightly dusty tannins on the end.
Anticipated maturity: 2000-2020
