The 1990 Pichon-Lalande is a very fine example of the vintage. The deep, complex and vibrant nose delivers a classy mélange of dark berries, coffee, fresh herb tones, cigar smoke, a fine base of dark soil tones and plenty of smoky, toasty new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very long, with admirable complexity, fine focus and balance, melting tannins and impressive grip on the very long and refined finish. This is a classic example of Pichon-Lalande from its glory days, as the wines the estate was turning out in the decade of the 1980s were a significant step up in quality from what had been produced here in the previous few decades.

Very dark blackish crimson. Notably aromatic, even a hint of herbaceousness on this bottle. Lovely balance and spread of mellow aromas. Tannins fully molten. Quite delicate for a 1990. Quite fresh enough on the finish. Subtle with a hint of tarmacadam. Lots of pleasure. Neat. 18/20 points (JR)