97

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 1990 Château Margaux has an absolutely sublime bouquet with gravel-tinged black fruit, pressed violet and black truffle, much more opulent than its peers or indeed other vintages yet suffused with grace. The palate is beautifully balanced with plenty of freshness and succulence, pure black fruit, a keen line of acidity and a very harmonious finish. There is just a touch of Earl Grey on the aftertaste – a stupendous Château Margaux that will continue drinking well for many years. Tasted single blind at the 1990 Bordeaux dinner at Medlar. 06/2025

98

Stephen Tanzer

Vinous

Full ruby-red. Wonderfully perfumed nose combines redcurrant, plum, mocha, minerals and rose petal. Plush, fat and rich, with great sweetness and class. This has utterly compelling mouthfilling richness. Finishes smooth and endless, with great breadth. This wine showed fabulous potential from barrel, but this is the first truly outstanding bottle I've had. Drink 2005 through 2035.

100

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

I had this wine both in Seoul, Korea in February, and from my cellar in December, 2008, and it was remarkable how identical the wines smelled and tasted. It offers an extraordinary aromatic display of spring flowers, camphor, sweet red and black fruits, a hint of licorice, and no evidence of its 100% new oak cask aging. Round and generous with low acidity, but an opulent, full-bodied richness that is fresh with laser-like precision, this stunning wine is just beginning to reach its plateau of full maturity, where it should remain for another three decades. A sensational effort, it is one of the legendary wines made at Chateau Margaux. Release price: ($1800.00/case)