1990 Chateau Pape Clement Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan

This complex, dark garnet/plum-tinged wine reveals some bricking at the edge, and its beautiful, smoky, meaty nose exhibits notions of sweet currants, black cherries, and licorice. Medium to full-bodied and fleshy with low acidity, sweet tannin, and an expansive mouthfeel with no hard edges, it is a fully mature 1990 that should drink well for another decade. In my opinion, the Pape Clement vintages from 1998 onward are even more impressive and deeper. Moreover, they possess greater longevity. Release price: ($310.00/case)

Having not tasted this wine for several years, the bouquet instantaneously reminds me what a lovely Graves this is. The nose is just so natural and refined with rustic red-berried fruit, roasted chestnuts, a touch of game and black olive. Just wonderful! The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, slightly gritty in texture, very fine acidity and a languid black olive, tobacco and decayed leafy finish. This is an exquisite Pape that is just past its prime. Drink now-2020. Tasted July 2010.

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. James Suckling

Gamey nose and rich start but a bit dead on the end. (JR)