1990 Ch. Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

Deep red colour with hints of tawny at the rim. Very expressive bouquet, typical Graves earthy, warm tobacco leaf and cigar box. On the palate a real kernel of sweetness on the mid-palate, lovely texture in the mouth, very well balanced, fresh, with a long, exemplary finish. Ready to drink now with great pleasure but not in any way tiring.

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....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.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Jun-2009)