Cos d'Estournel 1990 (750ML)

94 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate: "In contrast to the 1989, the 1990 is a spectacular wine, and, along with the 1986, 1982, and 1953, one of the four finest Cos d'Estournels made in the post-World War II era. Bruno Prats believes it is the finest wine he has ever made. In the most recent tasting, the 1990 was even better than in the past, charming me as well as other tasters with its flashy display of opulent Merlot (about 40% of the blend) mixed with ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. It was one of the more forward 1990s in the tasting, which no doubt accounted for its precocious showing. This super-concentrated wine possesses a roasted herb, sweet, jammy black fruit-scented nose, with noteworthy opulence and succulence. Pure and full-bodied, this concentrated wine conceals more tannin than it is presently revealing. The wine is open, flattering, and impossible to resist. It will continue to mature for 15-20 years.

95 Points, Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "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+ Tasted March 2009." 11/09