A sensational effort, and one of the two finest Clinets made before the 2008, this prodigious wine made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute has always been a sprinter out of the gate. Even at age 19, it continues to strut its stuff. A dense blue/garnet/purple hue exhibits slight lightening at the edge, and the gorgeous nose offers up aromas of sweet blueberries, licorice, smoke, acacia flowers, and camphor. Full-bodied with silky tannins, low acidity, and terrific purity, this 1990 has hit its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for another decade.

The exquisite Clinet ’90 has a lovely rounded, gourmand bouquet, quite meaty and savoury, a touch of garrigues going on here, a little oxtail and Bovril, vibrant and completely seductive. A quintessential Pomerol ’90 bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely rounded, quite voluptuous texture, tight at first but unwinding nicely. Very focused, very well defined with just a touch of spice and cloves on the finish. Drink now-2020. Tasted November 2010.

Beautifully crafted red. Brilliant ruby color. Aromas of fresh berries, blackberries and chocolate jump from the glass. Full-bodied and chewy, but velvety and caressing. Lots of ripe fruit.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective.

Very good deep medium color. Compelling nose combines caramel, clove, smoke, black raspberry and a floral nuance. Very concentrated and rich, but sound acids and strong extract give this wine lovely shape and firmness in the mouth. Impressively long finish. While the '90 Clinet can't match the '89 for density, its balance and freshness will make for a delicious drink.