La Mission-Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 1990

99 points Robert Parker: "Reminiscing over the 1989 and 1990 vintages, which I have followed from birth, there always seemed to be a dramatic difference in quality. Not that the 1990 was not a top wine, but in its infancy, I never thought it would come close to being as riveting and magnetic as its older sibling, the 1989. However, it has proven to be nearly as prodigious. One of the hottest years in Bordeaux, 1990, a vintage of enormous yields, even dwarfing yields in 1985 and 1982, produced a fabulously open-knit, seemingly fast track La Mission that, at age 22, shows no signs of fading or losing its grip. The color is slightly more mature and evolved than the 1989’s, exhibiting a lighter rim and a less dark blue/ruby/purple hue. Classic La Mission-Haut-Brion aromatics of camphor, licorice, scorched earth, hot bricks, barbecue, cassis, blueberry and kirsch are well displayed. Broad, expansive, velvety-textured and opulent with high glycerin and perhaps slightly higher alcohol (I don’t have the statistics to verify that), the 1990 is as delicious and open-knit as the 1989, with less density and possibly less potential longevity. Most 1990s have been quick to reach full maturity, and as brilliant as they can be, they need to be monitored carefully by owners. Currently in late adolescence, but close to full maturity, the 1990 should hold in a cold cellar for another 15-20 years. However, it is a fabulous wine to inspect, taste and consume, so why wait? (Aug 2012)"

98 points Andy Howard, MW (Decanter): "A glorious example of 1990 – not excessively weighty but marked by freshness, poise and wonderful ripeness of dark berry fruit. Impeccable balance. The initial power of the vintage has eased back leaving a wine which it is hard to imagine being much better. A heavenly wine (as befitting La Mission). 1990 was an acclaimed vintage, coming straight after that of the very hot 1989. A warm winter led to an exceptionally early budburst, but spring was cold before a dry, hot summer. The crop was abundant and very healthy. Drinking Window: 2000-2045. (4/17/24)"

97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 1990 La Mission Haut-Brion was always going to lie in the shadow of the previous vintage, but let's be clear: this is a magnificent, audacious follow-up. The nose might not be blessed with the Swiss-watch precision of the 1989, yet how can you possibly resist the heart-warming scents of roasted chestnuts and morels that suffuse the red berry fruit? The palate sports a slight gaminess and, as I noted in previous tasting notes, there is a Musigny-like personality toward the rounded, slightly earthy finish. Few La Missions have delivered such untrammeled drinkability. Tasted at the La Mission Haut Brion dinner at Amuse Bouche in Hong Kong. Drink: 2021-2045. (Sep 2021)"

96 points Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate): "The 1990 La Mission Haut-Brion is drinking brilliantly right now. Revealing aromas of truffles, spices, mocha, prune and a touch of tobacco, it’s beautifully balanced, satiny and sensual, with incredible concentration and a long, delicate finish. It’s a very beautiful 1990 with all the characteristics of this estate: finesse and elegance. I recommend drinking it now and until 2040. Drink: 2023-2030. (12/7/23)"

96 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Drinking in its prime time window, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, smoky and packed with notes of campfire embers, tar, tobacco leaf, cherries and red currants. Refined, earthy, complex and long, with a smoky, tobacco leaf, herb, earth and red fruit finish, this is ready to go. (Jun 2021)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "Dark ruby color. Subdued aromas of minerals, berries, tobacco and earth. Full-bodied and very chewy, with masses of fruit and tannins. Still a baby. Really superb.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2005. (8/31/00)"

94+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 1990 La Mission is a very top example of this vintage, and out of magnum it is just beginning to blossom. The deep, complex and classy nose offers up a very ripe blend of cassis, spit-roasted game, saddle leather, cigar ash, dark soil tones and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and complex, with just a touch of La Mission’s youthful medicinal tones still in evidence. The wine is rock solid at the core, modestly tannic and beautifully balanced, with outstanding focus, length and grip. The 1990 vintage in general has not aged anywhere as well as I had initially anticipated, but this is one 1990 that does not disappoint. 2012-2065+. (Jul/Aug 2012)"

18.5+/20 points The World of Fine Wine: "Mature mahogany; soft, sweet-cored nose of minerals and cassis, a lovely, classic, mature bouquet; perfect balance: a soft, rich, fleshy wine, still with a little tannin, but long and easy in the mouth, with abundant, ripe fruit, considerable concentration for the year, and great, sweet length -- a most gratifying beauty! Glorious claret. Now to 2025+. (Issue #22; 2008)"