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The last in a series of three stellar vintages with the 1988-1989-1990, with this one delivering concentrated wines in its early years that took their time to develop but are now at the peak of their pleasure. At 30 years old it is not the power that immediately strikes but the aromatic complexity, and the gentle dance that it performs between finessed fruit and soft saffron-laced spices. The concentration comes in slowly, in waves, gathering cedar, menthol and finely spun tannins. It has been at this plateau for at least 10 years now, and there is no reason to think it is going anywhere for another decade or two. Harvest September 18 to October 6. Petit Verdot completes the blend with 2%, meaning all four main Médoc varieties here, unusually (all Cabernet Franc was pulled up in 2004).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 30/06/2009
This was the finest bottle of the 1990 Palmer I have yet tasted, and it appears I slightly underrated it in earlier reviews. A complex bouquet of earth, blue and black fruits, licorice, incense, and spice box is followed by a round, silky, voluptuous wine that falls just short of achieving the depth and richness found in such recent vintages as 2000, 2005, 2006, and 2008. A very strong, fully mature effort, its balance, purity, depth, and texture suggest it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10-12 years. Release price: ($1100.00/case)

Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, I confess that maybe I've been harsh towards the 1990 Château Palmer in the past, since it never quite matched the sublime 1989. However, this represents the finest bottle that I have encountered. The nose is complex with red cherries, allspice and sous-bois, tertiary scents developing as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine balance, not the most complex 1990 and not a patch on say Château Margaux 1990, yet there is precision here and a pleasant savory finish that maintains precision. I cannot envisage it improving further, but you would not throw your rattle out of the pram if a bottle landed on your table. Tasted May 2015.

A beauty. Seductive, with currant, berry, tobacco, cedar and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A joyous Palmer.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. James Suckling

Subdued but classy new-oaky nose hints at flowers, chocolate, and cinnamon. A spicy, beautifully delineated wine of great class and hidden depths. Very subtle, long aftertaste. A crowd-pleaser. The '90 is more typical for this château than the fatter but more alcoholic and soft '89.

Magnum. Deep ruby. Completely rich, sweet and gorgeous with a hint of graphite on the nose. Beautiful lift and elegance but on the finish it was a real throat warmer. Just my sort of wine. But after 45 minutes or so, it lost a bit of fruit in the glass and the acidity became much more obvious, suggesting it may not have that much more to give, even from a magnum. (JR)