Neither the 1989 or 1990 performed as well as I might have hoped. The 1990 is a richer, more complete wine than the 1989, with a deeper ruby/purple color, and a sweet nose of black fruits, tobacco, roasted herbs, and meats. This medium-bodied, concentrated wine is surprisingly tannic and backward. While the outstanding 1990 appears to be one of Pape-Clement's top successes, rivaling what they produced in 1988 and 1986, it needs more bottle age (4-5 more years) than I originally predicted.

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Very dark ruby color. Raspberry, floral and mineral jump out of the glass on the nose. Full-bodied, with firm tannins, serious fruit and a medium finish. Muscular Pape. Drinkable now.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. 11,000 cases made.

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Consistent notes. Beautiful clear med. dark color with only a slight amber edge; full nose of black fruit, spice & smoke; intense, rich black fruit on the palate with a distinct smoky note; complex & elegant; very long finish. Great Bordeaux with a classic Graves nuance; complex, long, delicious; ready but will hold.