1990 Red Bordeaux

Cos d`Estournel is named after its 19th century owner, Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, and it was he who built the bizarre oriental edifice that is a landmark for any tourist in the Médoc. Today Cos is without doubt the leading estate in St Estéphe. The grand vin is typically a blend of 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 38 percent Merlot and two percent Cabernet Franc – but do not be fooled by the relatively high Merlot content, as these are full-bodied, dark, brooding tannic wines when young which develop a complexity and intensity that can rival many top growths from Pauillac.

This seductive Cos from the superb 1990 vintage contains around 40 percent Merlot in the blend. This makes for a forward style of Cos, packed with succulent, ripe dark fruit flavours, soft yet powerful tannins and a full-bodied palate.

Far less evolved than the 1989 and still youthful in colour. A rich ripe nose is followed by a dense, well endowed palate packed with black fruits, minerals and toasty oak. Without doubt the finest Leoville-Poyferr of the last 25 years.

One of this estate’s superstars (only rivaled by the 1986 and 1996), the 1990 Lagrange exhibits sweet toasty oak notes intermixed with jammy blackberries, cassis, licorice, smoke, and underbrush. Full-bodied with lovely melted tannins, an opulent, fleshy mouthfeel, and loads of purity as well as depth, it has reached full maturity, but is capable of lasting another 10-15 years.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - The Wine Advocate #183, June 2009

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.

Initially extremely underrated, this is one of the best Pichon-Lalandes for current drinking. With the charming, seductive fruit so typical of the chteau, and all the concentration and balance common to the top 1990s, this has ripe blackcurrant and cedar flavours, and harmonious tannins. Drink now-2008.

Deep,dark,colour. Lovely complex nose of dark fruits leading on to a sumptuously rich and harmonious palate displaying great depth and power. Drinking superbly now but will keep for many years to come.

Just about reaching its plateau of maturity this is a well made, balanced and attractive wine that displays impressive levels of cassis-laden fruit with hints of vanilla oak.