We had this at a great dinner with the lcc's in NYC last evening. The wine had been opened and decanted over two hours prior to tasting. The typical nose of fine Bordeaux, which I find difficult to describe but easy to identify, was present in all it's glory, redolent of cedar and spice. As lcc mentioned, better glassware would have enabled the intesity to shine through. The tannin and fruit were almost in balance, with the tannin slightly dominating. I'd guess this wine is at least 5 years shy of its prime. With further time in the glass, the tannins mellowed and complexity began to evolve. This wine is a 93 now, but my experience has shown me that Gruaud-Larose, the Bordeaux I've more of than any other, really shows its best with plenty of age. It's distinctly possible this will be a mid-90's point wine in 10 years.

Cannot argue with that. I agree on the description of the Wine, as it is now. I gave it a 92-93. The age factor, of course, we are all aware when it comes to the French Wines. And, B-O has a lot more knowledge that I do with those. I have limited experience with these Wines, unfortunately.

So far, the BEST French Wine I ever had, by far. Plenty of body, fruit, flavor, & aroma already. The age, we just have to wait & re-test it in a few years. Hint, hint...

I have 5 more. I'll wait 5 years for the next.

My Tn's for this are pretty much dominated by comments like , great spiced nose, cedar, hints of tobacco etcc... The wines of Bordeaux 1990 are so beautifully structured and complex that every one I have had has been drunk too young. I can't agree with you guys more. I only wish that I had some of the Gruaud Larose in my cellar (got plenty of other 1990's but none of the above.)

[ 09-01-2002, 09:32 PM: Message edited by: Jeremy ]

Jeremy, have you tried the '90 Montrose yet? Parker gave it a 100 and I managed to get my hands on three magnums, but I'd guess this wine needs more than 20 years from vintage date.

I wish. I've got three bottles left from four cases down stairs (people keep buying it, the bastards.). I haven't cracked a bottle because I felt in unnecesary to do noting its numerous write ups through out the world media, and there ain't enough left. I'm going to keep those last three however. What I have read is that from a friend of mine he tasted in 1998.
" Stong plum driven fruits laden with spice, aniseed and cedar. Hints of earthen tobacco waft across the wine as well. (what does he think he is- a poet?) Palate feel is full and heavy with outstanding length and structure. The tannins are overpowering but matched by acids and intense fruit notes. Almost like drinking a christmas pudding. A BIG wine"
I value his comments but maybe he had too much of this drop when taking the notes.

It should be a capital offense to open a '90 Montrose now.

Beautiful medium ruby colour. Aromas of cedar, spice box, cherry, earth, currant, red plums, and vanilla. Medium-full bodied with spice, red fruit, and cedar. Long finish with currant, cherry, earth, and cigar box. Continued to open with time in the glass. Delicious! 94 points (08/07/2004).

futronic, Parker scored this a 100. How close to prime drinking do you feel this wine is?

Just one more sip.

I would say there is plenty of life ahead of this - still on the upward swing. I'd like to try again in 4-5 years. This wine wasn't decanted at all, only uncorked and allowed to breathe for a few hours. I don't know if this would ever reach 100 points, but it's possible that it could tack on a couple more with time.

Thanks for your opinion. I don't plan on opening the first of my magnums for quite a while.

Just one more sip.

Perfect cork, decanted and poured after one hour. Meium ruby color, nice nose of cedar and light leather and some tobacco. Rich mouthfeel, elegant with a very long finish. Excellent wine and while it will certainly keep, it is delicious to enjoy right now. 94 points

Good notes, Pippin, but I'm saving my 1990 Gruaud Larose for its 20h anniversary in 2010!

quote:

Originally posted by latour67:
Good notes, Pippin, but I'm saving my 1990 Gruaud Larose for its 20h anniversary in 2010!

me too, which will also be my 20th wedding anniversary! Since this is my only 1990, I need to start looking/thinking of another 1990 to compliment the Larose.

quote:

Originally posted by theweb:

quote:

Originally posted by latour67:
Good notes, Pippin, but I'm saving my 1990 Gruaud Larose for its 20h anniversary in 2010!

me too, which will also be my 20th wedding anniversary! Since this is my only 1990, I need to start looking/thinking of another 1990 to compliment the Larose.

Many wonderful Champagne wines from 1990.

Try the 1990 Leoville las Cases, one of my all time favorite bordeaux wines.

quote:

Originally posted by theweb:

quote:

Originally posted by latour67:
Good notes, Pippin, but I'm saving my 1990 Gruaud Larose for its 20h anniversary in 2010!

me too, which will also be my 20th wedding anniversary! Since this is my only 1990, I need to start looking/thinking of another 1990 to compliment the Larose.

Decanted for one hour. Perfect cork, 12.5% alcohol, just a touch of lightening at the rim, nice medium ruby. A bit of cigar box and leather, primary fruit has evolved into secondary characteristics, very elegant, long, long finish. Really superb wine, I do not see any reason to wait on this one but it will keep. 95 points

I've almost made it! I only have one bottle left of the 1990 Gruaud Larose, and I'm holding it for opening during 2010!

quote:

Originally posted by latour67:
I've almost made it! I only have one bottle left of the 1990 Gruaud Larose, and I'm holding it for opening during 2010!

You are a wise, leaned and patience man Latour.

This is not a trait I possessed in my youth.

w+a,

Not so sure about that, but I'm still holding.