Ripe and fresh. Just what it should be. Deep ruby with red hue. Loads of chocolate, vanilla, tobacco and ripe fruit. Full bodied with lots of velvety tannins and a long finish.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2004. 12,000 cases made. — JS

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience’s Pavie vertical. Perhaps the last great Pavie before Gerard Perse bought the estate in 1997. The 1990 Pavie sports a deep core with deep tawny rim and sports a very “classic” Pavie bouquet that is muted at first, but unfurls gracefully with intense cedar aromas deriving from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Underneath there are aromas of crushed stone and a touch of cold black tea. It does not have the vim and vigour of the 1989. The palate is medium-bodied and whilst it is not as vigorous as a couple of years ago, it retains a supple texture, impressive harmony and a lovely wild strawberry, fig, leather and brine tinged finish. Fresh and vital, this is holding up well. Tasted June 2010.

A strong effort, the 1990 Pavie exhibits aromas of sweet kirsch, licorice, roasted herbs, spice box, and earth. Medium-bodied with sweet tannin, low acidity, and good concentration, it should drink well for another 4-5 years.

Firm, meaty, savoury nose. Traditional style with less opulence than most 1990s. Still perceptible tannins – cries out for food. Dry finish but impressively long and with some richness.
JR - May 2010