1990 Margaux, Margaux

“The 1990 Château Margaux is really beginning to hit its stride at age 31, soaring from the glass with aromas of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of licorice, cedar and violets, framed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, it's seamless and complete, its velvety tannins and ripe acids entirely cloaked in a lavish but vibrant core of fruit. This is an especially dramatic, fleshy rendition of Margaux, yet it remains impeccably balanced and has decades of longevity ahead of it. (WK)” (02/2022)

“The 1990 Chateau Margaux has a deep garnet-brick color. The nose positively explodes—a detonation of crème de cassis, plum preserves, and blueberry pie aromas, which is, given time and much swirling, followed by that classic Margaux perfume of candied violets, incense, fragrant soil, and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with black fruit and exotic spice layers, supported by beautifully plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long with loads of mineral sparks. If you are lucky enough to have a bottle, settle in for an absolute thrill ride with this legendary wine! It is the epitome of Margaux expression, not only of this terroir, but also its caretakers. (LPB)” (11/2024)

“A brilliant wine, still star bright in colour, and full of flesh and fruit. Opens with smoky cigar notes, touches of figs, blackberries, cedar, fine tannins, violet and peony aromatics even at 30-plus years old, and it certainly stays with you long after the glass is finished. Owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos was celebrating 10 years at the helm at this point, with (the late) Paul Pontallier just promoted to MD after arriving at the property in 1983. (for Decanter)” (05/2021)

“This is a great wine and, like all the greats, it is always changing. In some recent showings it has been effusively plump and energetic, here it was more restrained and mineral than I had remembered. It is still profound, however, and with a bit of time in the glass it opens up to show extraordinary depth. There are some first hints of maturity and a subtle iodine note on the finish, but it is exquisite throughout and should continue to improve for years to come. (CC)” (07/2023)

“The 1990 Château Margaux has an absolutely sublime bouquet with gravel-tinged black fruit, pressed violet and black truffle, much more opulent than its peers or indeed other vintages yet suffused with grace. The palate is beautifully balanced with plenty of freshness and succulence, pure black fruit, a keen line of acidity and a very harmonious finish. There is just a touch of Earl Grey on the aftertaste – a stupendous Château Margaux that will continue drinking well for many years. (NM)” (06/2025)

“A stunner, with a glorious aromatic display of mulled plum, blackberry and cherry notes seamlessly melded with rooibos tea, singed balsa wood and ground vanilla bean accents. The structure is so fine-grained that it's almost hard to find, but the marathonesque length shows it's there. As gorgeous as it is, this remains a hair behind the modern greats in terms of concentration. Still, it should hold at this peak for some time. Awfully close to the '89, but sometimes we have to split hairs. (JM)” (11/2014)

“Very deep flavoured and concentrated with a hint of yeast extract (Marmite). Bold, dark and savoury with some sweetness although the sweet aspects of this wine were not emphasised by the fact that it was served immediately after a Rousseau Clos St-Jacques 1999. Not a wine to turn down. 18/20 points (JR)” (04/2016)