Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel dinner at St. John. This has always been such an impressive wine, but it has also always been a Cos that is determined to have a long life, hence after 19-years it remains far more backward and tannic than its contemporaries. It has a deep garnet core, broody and tight, touches of black olive, chimney soot, dusty bureau and scorched earth. Very well defined. The palate is full-bodied with a dense, robust structure, a firm tannic frame that will see this comfortable through 30+ years. Masculine, a clenched fist of a wine and yet there is undoubtedly great balance and focus with notes of blackberry and pain grille. Powerful and broad-shouldered on the finish, it opens wonderfully in the glass. Approaching maturity, you could pop this now but I’d prefer to wait another 2-3 years. Drink 2012-2030+

Popped and poured for Father’s Day, the wine is elegant, opulent, silky and fresh on the palate. The wine offers a strong cigar box and tobacco nose, along with distinctive mint and green peppery tones, with a touch of 5 spice, smoke, roasted cassis, cedar and pepper. This is fully mature. There is no reason to decant, except for sediment, or to hold any longer. It’s a gorgeous, old school expression of Cos d’Estournel this hits all the right notes. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=1990&wine=Chateau%20Cos%20d%27Estournel

Not as concentrated as the 1982 or as most of the vintages made since 2001 the 1990 Cos has reached full maturity. It exhibits sweet berry fruit intermixed with spice box herbs and spring flowers. Expansive round and sensual with wonderful purity as well as lushness this irresistible wine can be enjoyed over the next 6-10 years.