1990 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Robert Parker 91

Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 1990 Lafite has a very typical Left Bank ’90 nose with luscious brambly red fruit, kirsch, singed leather and truffle. For me, especially compared to the 1989, the aromatics are comparatively diffuse and certainly more decayed. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, quite fleshy entry with strong savoury, meaty flavours. The ’90 certainly has good weight, but there is something feral and animally here whilst there is a “furry” texture on the “mealy” finish. This is a highly enjoyable Lafite although one that I would not cellar long-term. Tasted February 2012. [Neal Martin, 02/01/2012]

Vinous 96

Saturated deep red. Shoe polish, minerals and cassis on the nose, with a hint of toasty oak. Intensely flavored, vibrant fruit shows great middle-palate fullness for a young Lafite. Very long, multidimensional finish of great subtlety. Has the acidity and tannic underpinning for long life. An outstanding, classic Lafite; claret for the millennium. Along with Latour, an early candidate for Medoc of the vintage. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/11/1993]