1990 Leoville Barton Bordeaux Blend - France - Bordeaux - St Julien - Red - Second Growth

Dark crimson. Luscious. Some sweetness on the nose, and polish but pretty chewy finish.

In contrast to the 1989, the 1990 is denser, more tannic, muscular, and virile. It offers an opaque purple color, but not much charm or openness. The nose reluctantly offers up aromas of earth, spicy fruit, and wood. The wine is full-bodied, powerful, and loaded with extract and glycerin. However, it is also revealing formidable quantities of tannin, as well as a closed, backward style. This is somewhat perplexing in view of previous tastings of this wine. I still believe the 1990 to be an exceptional Leoville-Barton, certainly the best wine made after the 1982, and marginally superior to both the delicious 1985 and tannic 1986. However, it needs another 7-10 years of cellaring. In its youth, it is one of the least approachable 1990s.

Dark ruby color with a red edge. Subtle aromas ofblack cherry and plum, with hints of mineral andsmoke. Full-bodied, with a compacted fruitstructure, firm tannins and a long finish. Asoutstanding as it should be. Needs time.--1990Bordeaux retrospective. 22,000 cases made.