Lynch-Bages Pauillac 1990

99 points Robert Parker: "This magnificent Lynch Bages has been drinking well since the day it was released and it continues to go from strength to strength. The biggest, richest, fullest-bodied Lynch Bages until the 2000, the fully mature 1990 exhibits an unbelievably explosive nose of black currants, cedarwood, herbs and spice. The majestic, classically Bordeaux aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, voluptuously textured, rich, intense wine with superb purity as well as thrilling levels of fruit, glycerin and sweetness. This beauty should continue to provide immense pleasure over the next 15+ years. Drink: 2011-2026. (Aug 2011)"

97 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 1990 Lynch-Bages continues to drink brilliantly at age 32, bursting from the glass with rich aromas of blackberries and crème de cassis mingled with cigar wrapper, loamy soil, burning embers, nori and subtle hints of sweet leather. Full-bodied, broad and fleshy, it's unctuous and enveloping, with a generous core of fruit, sweet but still present tannins and a long, expansive finish. I have always tended to compare the 1990 and 1989 Lynch-Bages, and both wines are among the finest produced in Bordeaux in those years, embarrassing several of the first growths; if I had to choose, I'd likely opt for the 1989 for its greater depth and staying power, but the 1990 is an immensely seductive, hedonistic wine that's very hard to resist. Drink: 2010-2050. (12/21/23)"

97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 1990 Lynch-Bages has a precocious nose, utterly captivating with intense black fruit suffused with iodine and seaweed scents. There is something old school about this Lynch Bages, perhaps not quite as precise as the previous vintage, yet still multi-dimensional. It gains cohesion with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with more structure than expected. There's fine delineation with chiseled tannins. Cedar and tobacco are interwoven through the layered black fruit, and it fans out with panache on the finish. This continues to fire on all cylinders. Tasted at the château in bottle and double-magnum formats. Drink: 2023-2045. (Jul 2023)"

97 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "I am lucky to taste this as often as I do because I love it! Combining the naturally stoic character of Pauillac with layer after of ripe red currants, cigar box, tobacco leaf, smoke, spice, and wet forest floor, the wine remains full, rich, and dense, yet there is a regal edge to its character that makes this such a turn on. At close to 32 years of age, this is drinking at its peak, where it should remain for at least another 15-20 more years, if well stored, and maybe longer! (Nov 2021)"

96 points (18/20) La Revue du Vin de France (Jan 2005).

94 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas of tar, currant and berries follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Still not completely ready, but so good anyway.--Lynch-Bages non-blind vertical. Best after 2008. (2007)"