Pape Clement 1989

Compared to the 1990 Pape-Clement, the aromatics on the 1989 are just as compelling. It is blessed with a complex bouquet of roasted chestnut and decayed leaves once again, but showing a little more fruit intensity than the 1990, with greater youthful vivacity. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine balance and supple, opulent tannins: touches of cedar, sandalwood, cooked meats, dark berried fruit with a touch of spice on the earthy finish. Very good delineation and you have to admire its decadence. If you cannot afford Haut Brion '89, they this is a good alternative. Tasted July 2010.

A bit tightly knit, with some noticeably high tannin, the restrained but emerging bouquet of smoke, mineral, graphite, and red currants shows a slight herbaceousness to it. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, structured, and somewhat muscular, but lacking the charm, opulence, and overall depth of its more famous sibling, the 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015. Last tasted, 4/02.