Cos d'Estournel 1990

Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel dinner at St. John. This has always been such an impressive wine, but it has also always been a Cos that is determined to have a long life, hence after 19-years it remains far more backward and tannic than its contemporaries. It has a deep garnet core, broody and tight, touches of black olive, chimney soot, dusty bureau and scorched earth. Very well defined. The palate is full-bodied with a dense, robust structure, a firm tannic frame that will see this comfortable through 30+ years. Masculine, a clenched fist of a wine and yet there is undoubtedly great balance and focus with notes of blackberry and pain grille. Powerful and broad-shouldered on the finish, it opens wonderfully in the glass. Approaching maturity, you could pop this now but I’d prefer to wait another 2-3 years. Drink 2012-2030+

Not as concentrated as the 1982, or as most of the vintages made since 2001, the 1990 Cos has reached full maturity. It exhibits sweet berry fruit intermixed with spice box, herbs, and spring flowers. Expansive, round, and sensual, with wonderful purity as well as lushness, this irresistible wine can be enjoyed over the next 6-10 years

The 1990 will charm tasters with its flashy display of opulent Merlot mixed with ripe Cabernet Sauvignon.This super-concentrated wine possesses a roasted herb, sweet, jammy, black fruit-scented nose. Pure and full bodied,open,flattering and impossible to resist,this wine conceals more tannin than it is presently revealing. It will continue to mature for 15-20 years.