Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 1990

98 points David Sly (Decanter): "The drive, power and poise of Bordeaux blending at its best. A glorious, seamless meld of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 36% Merlot, brings power and toned muscle to the big, rich body that fills out a plush mid-palate, with all the elements comfortably integrated and striking perfect balance between vivacious energy and a luxurious texture. Gorgeous drinking right now. Drink: 2024-2034. (4/17/24)"

98 points (19/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "Voluptuous and Charming with admirable youth, with the slight touch of color of the vintage. Ample body and magnificent tannic weave. (Jan 2012)"

19.5/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Full colour. Still young. Very lovely fruit on the nose. A little more open and a little riper and more accessible than Latour and Margaux. Higher toned than the latter. This is most impressive. Real intensity and depth. Splendid harmony. Fullish. Excellent. Very fine indeed. Drink: Now-2025. (2004)"

5 stars (potential), Michael Broadbent's Pocket Vintage Wine Companion: "Consistently good notes: very deep, virtually opaque core, rich, velvety, still youthful; bouquet slow to evolve but devloping fragrant spiciness, touch of cedar and typical 'medicinal' whiff; medium-sweet, perfect weight (12.5%), good flavour, balance, length and excellent finish. A classic Lafite. Last tasted March 2000. Drink: 2010-2030."

96 points Robert Parker: "The 1990 Lafite has turned out far better than my early assessment. While it still possesses some firmness, and performs like a late adolescent in terms of its evolution, it boasts gorgeous aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and lead pencil shavings. The explosive aromas are followed by a fleshy, full-bodied wine that should hit its peak in 5-8 years, and last for 25-30 more. (Jun 2009)"

96 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated deep red. Shoe polish, minerals and cassis on the nose, with a hint of toasty oak. Intensely flavored, vibrant fruit shows great middle-palate fullness for a young Lafite. Very long, multidimensional finish of great subtlety. Has the acidity and tannic underpinning for long life. An outstanding, classic Lafite; claret for the millennium. Along with Latour, an early candidate for Medoc of the vintage. (Nov 1993)"

95 points/'Top 100 Wines of 1993 (#10),' Wine Spectator: "Very serious fruit, with juicy berry, tobacco and cedar character. Slightly more body than the 1989, but they are very close in character. I would give this a little more time. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Best after 2007. (2/28/05)"