This wine goes from strength to strength, and is developing even better than I initially expected. More backward than most of the big, Cabernet Sauvignon-based 1990 Medocs, it is full-bodied and viscous, but not as thick or oily as the 1982 can be. The 1990's fresh, pure black raspberry, incense, and minerality characteristics result in a young, legendary wine. Still deep ruby/purple to the rim as well as extraordinarily intense, it is 4-10 years away from full maturity, and should evolve for another 30+ years. It is an amazing achievement! Release price: ($1800.00/case)

The 1990 Lafleur might not reach the ethereal heights of the 1989, yet certainly in magnum format, it is not far behind. It is cut from a different cloth than the 1989 with a more opulent bouquet of ravishing raspberry and blueberry fruit, chestnut, meat juices and violets. Perhaps there is just a tiny bit of Brettanomyces? The palate is concentrated and more generous/flamboyant than the 1989 with saturated tannins, a touch of cracked black pepper and a cheeky peppermint note on the finish. Maybe it lacks the sophistication of the 1989 but the 1990 just doesn't care. Nor will you. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-year vertical in Austria.

Classic idiosyncractic Lafleur aromas of resin, prune, licorice and herbs; ripe verging on overripe. Huge, high-toned, old-viney fruit offers outstanding depth of flavor but does not appear to have quite the density of the '89. Tannins are substantial but seem thoroughly ripe. As good as this is, we were expecting even more