My notes on the 1989 and 1990 wines have been consistent over the last three years. The 1989 continues to lose ground, although it is obviously an outstanding wine, while the 1990 continues to escalate in quality. The 1990 continues to put on weight and richness, and it now clearly appears to be the superior vintage for Leoville-Las-Cases. The 1990 reveals a dense, dark purple color, followed by a sweet, pure nose of black fruits, minerals, lead pencil, and vanillin. Broad, expansive flavors come across as rich, pure, and concentrated, but never heavy or coarse. Beautifully integrated tannin and acidity are barely noticeable in this classic, full-bodied, velvety-textured, youthful yet exceptional St.-Julien. The 1990 is more fun to taste than the 1989, but readers should not interpret that comment to suggest it is ready to drink. This wine needs another 5-6 years of cellaring, after which it should last for 20-25 years.

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I underestimated this wine young, as it continues to put on weight and character. In fact, of the great vintages of Leoville-Las Cases, this is one of the more forward wines, largely because of the seamlessness of the 1990 and its exceptionally sweet tannin, combined with relatively low acidity. The color remains a healthy opaque dark plum/purple. The classic Las-Cases nose of sweet black currants, cherries, minerals, lead pencil, and vanilla soars from the glass. Very full-bodied, expansive, and super-concentrated, yet so symmetrical and perfectly balanced (always a hallmark of Leoville Las Cases), this wine seems youthful yet very approachable. Last tasted 12/01

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Beautifully crafted red. Gorgeous plum, berry and smoky oak character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long, ripe fruit finish. A joy to taste.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now.

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