Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle at the Lafleur vertical dinner at Attersee in Austria. I have only tasted this 1990 once before. Almost as deep in colour as the 1989, there is perhaps a touch more limpidity to this example. The nose is inhibited at first with reluctant scents of blackberry, wild mint and cedar wood – less marine-influenced then the previous bottle and yet it retains otherworldly delineation and intensity, offering scents of black truffle emerge with time. The palate is full-bodied, smooth and sensual and though it is not quite as complex or as intriguing as the 1989, there is an overwhelming sense of harmony and completeness. It is still astonishingly primal given its age, especially compared to other Pomerol 1990s and there is a sensational Tuscan-like richness and “audacity” on the grippy finish. What a fabulous wine.

97+ This wine goes from strength to strength, and is developing even better than I initially expected. More backward than most of the big, Cabernet Sauvignon-based 1990 Medocs, it is full-bodied and viscous, but not as thick or oily as the 1982 can be. The 1990's fresh, pure black raspberry, incense, and minerality characteristics result in a young, legendary wine. Still deep ruby/purple to the rim as well as extraordinarily intense, it is 4-10 years away from full maturity, and should evolve for another 30+ years. It is an amazing achievement! - Robert Parker