1990 Beaune Greves

The 1990 Beaune-Greves is the most elegant and seductive of the 1990 premier crus. If I had all ten premiers crus in my cellar (how I wish I did), it would be the one I would choose for drinking over the next 7-8 years. Juicy, fragrant, and undeniably seductive, it coats the mouth with sweet Pinot fruit. There are no hard edges to be found, and the finish is long and heady. In issue 83 I intimated that Jadot's Beaune premiers crus were dazzling. Ten premiers crus were made in 1990, all but one of which are outstanding. It is like splitting hairs trying to describe their various styles, but let me try. Among the most forward, succulent, and juicy of the Beaune premiers crus are the Beaune-Greves, Beaune-Couchereux, Beaune-Touissants, Beaune-Bressandes, and Beaune-Chouacheux. These wines are all more developed and seemingly less tannic than the Beaune-Teurons, Beaune Boucherottes, Beaune-Avaux, and Beaune-Clos des Ursules. Given the number of wines produced by Louis Jadot in 1990, it is hard to believe anyone has ever been more successful with so many different appellations. Moreover, what is so admirable about the Jadot red burgundies is that each of the wines is different. Jadot enjoyed remarkable success in the Cote de Beaune. Given the fact that these wines sell at lower prices than Jadot's offerings from the Cote de Nuits, consumers have an opportunity to purchase some stunning red burgundies from a great vintage at exceptionally fair prices. Furthermore, as I indicated in issue 83, all of Jadot's 1990s were bottled without filtration. Given the appalling weakness of the American dollar, the prices charged for these wines are to be applauded. Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY.