1990 Grand Puy Lacoste
By Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
The 1990 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Amidst the esteemed echelons of Bordeaux's Pauillac appellation, the 1990 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste emerges as a testament to a vintage that has ardently beckoned the wine connoisseur's intrigue. With three decades of bottle age, this exemplary claret has evolved into a paragon of structure and poise. The year 1990 itself was marked by an unparalleled alignment of climatic serendipity, paving the way for wines with profound depth adorned with ripe tannins – a hallmark that assertively stamps its presence upon olfaction and palate alike within this particular vintage.
An Epoch Vintage Reinventing Investment Wisdom
The significance of 'terroir' and precise vinification practices by Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste have always been intrinsic to the identity of their offerings. In the pivotal year of 1990, these elements coalesced magnificently. A warm but optimally wet spring followed by a summer graced with ample sunshine and heat permitted faultless fruit maturation, distinguishing the vintage across Bordeaux and especially in Pauillac. The discerning investor will duly note how such favourable conditions manifest within this 1990 Grand Puy Lacoste, where balance and cellaring potential coexist harmoniously.
The Quintessential Pauillac Palette
Opulent aromas of cassis underscored by subtle undertones of cedarwood and tobacco leaf encapsulate the nose. On the palate, one encounters an integration of dark fruits and hints of leather coupled with a refined earthiness - nuances that continue to evolve enticingly since its bottling. For those privy to its charms, there's remarkable freshness that underlines this wine's longevity; its finish resplendent with smooth yet pronounced tannins aches for continued appreciation.
Today, the 1990 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste remains an antithesis to fleeting trends in oenology investing; it is a stellar embodiment of what can only be achieved through patience and time-honoured tradition. As such, it stands unwavering as an ideal choice for those seeking to enrich their portfolios with a vintage that communicates not just history but foresight into fine wine's gracefully enduring allure.
Market price (GBP)
£2,400.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
150
Scores and tasting notes
Along with the 1982, 2000, and 2005, the 1990 is one of those monumental Grand Puy Lacostes that you can't have enough of. Still inky/blue/purple-colored to the rim, it boasts a gorgeously sweet, pure nose of creme de cassis, spring flowers, and a hint of wet rocks. The wine is full-bodied, plush, and expansive with impressive levels of glycerin and purity as well as an endearing texture. This 1990 is evolving at a glacial pace, but the sweetness of the tannins and low acidity ensure a delicious treat whenever a bottle is opened. It should evolve for another 20-25 years. Release price: ($300.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 June 2009
The 1990 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a wine that I had not tasted for a number of years. For a long time it was stubborn and tannic, uncommon attributes in what was such a comely vintage. Now at 26 years of age, this bottle served by Xavier Borie suggests that finally the 1990 has come round. Deep in color, it has a gorgeous bouquet of black fruit, potpourri, graphite and melted tar. There is warmth here, but it does not impede upon the articulation of its origins in Pauillac. The palate has clearly melted in recent years, and maintains superb balance and weight. Sure, as Robert Parker himself remarked, it is evolving at a glacial pace—slower than the 1998 tasted alongside. That means its pleasure is going to be prolonged over many, many years. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2016
Tasted at the chateau, this has a deep garnet core. The nose is very tight at first, over-shadowed by the more ebullient '98 at first although it begins to unfurl with aeration and evolves some lovely ripe blackberry, cedar, briary and iodine tinged fruits, the bouquet eschewing any hot summer fruit characteristics. The palate is full-bodied with a firm tannic structure matched by its admirable fruit concentration and its acidity that lends it so much freshness and vitality. Great weight, this reminds me of the awesome '82 that is now only just beginning to drink. Blackberry, raspberry and just a touch of savoury fruit on the long, masculine finish. An outstanding '90, but for those with patience, this will be a Pauillac to treasure for the next 20 years. Tasted April 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2008