Bernard Gros' 1990 Richebourg is similar in style to the 1990 Clos de Vougeot. An amazingly rich, voluptuous, thick, chewy wine, it is bursting with black fruits and toasty new oak. This opulent, viscous, well-endowed wine requires several years of cellaring, but will provide magical drinking over the following 10-12 years. Potentially, the 1990s are Bernard Gros' finest and most classically made wines. The glories are the three super-expensive, limited edition grands crus, the Grands Echezeaux, the Clos de Vougeot, and the Richebourg. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC.

A "blockbuster" Richebourg that Bernard gave us to accompany our lunch. A huge rich, raisin, blackcurrant nose with a touch of dark chocolate. It lacks a little finesse on the palate, quite brambly, very rich and rounded, though not polished. Firm, heavyweight finish that reminds me of a Musigny. Still firm tannins so another 5 years. Tasted July 1999.