(NM 94-96 points) Deep garnet core with light brick rim. A very rich, alcoholic, slightly pruney, raisiny, tarry nose. The palate is very rich, good acidity, slightly porty but with a citrus undertow. The palate is very tannic, full-bodied and complex. Raisin, touch of tinned prune and orange zest, becoming spicier towards the tarry, chestnut-flavored finish. Very decadent and burly, but lacking the poise of the 1989.

The 1990 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is a vintage that I have not encountered for some time. This has quite a refined nose with dark berry fruit, orange liqueur, kirsch and camphor. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with finely sculpted tannins, very balanced and definitely the most sensual of the 1990s tasted here. Not as alcoholic as one might expect, there is just a tincture of dried blood towards the savoury, persistent finish. This is drinking beautifully. Tasted single blind at the 1990 Bordeaux dinner at Medlar. - Neal Martin