In this blind tasting, the 1989 Gruaud-Larose was corked, but a bottle secured through a friend and tasted under non-blind circumstances was excellent, nearly outstanding. The herbal side of Gruaud-Larose was more noticeable in the 1989. The wine revealed a deep ruby/purple color (but not the opaqueness of the 1990), more obvious tannin, without the mid-palate and sweet inner-core of fruit exhibited by the 1990. It is a big, tannic, spicy wine, with plenty of potential, but not the sweetness and chewy texture of the 1990. The 1989 needs more time to shed its cloak of tannin; give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20+ years.

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This has lovely lead pencil and berry character, with hints of tobacco. Medium body, with fine tannins and fresh finish. Still in a holding pattern. Delicious now. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal.

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Really drinking great now. Decanting helped. Complex black and red fruits, cedar and menthol. Still holdng its acidity too.