1990
1990
1990
The harvest lasted almost a month as the cabernets ripened much later than the merlot. We even interrupted the picking for 10 days at the end of September to allow the Cabernets to fully ripen. Luck was on our side, as the weather was exceptionally good. 1990 was the third in a run of very fine vintages with 1988 and 1989. After the classic 1988 and the rich, opulent 1989, the 1990 immediately caused great excitement with its charm and great finesse. It’s striking how two vintages with seemingly similar conditions—1989 and 1990—produced such different wines! A few days of intense heat, an untimely rainstorm or a lengthy period of drought can have a big influence! The wines of the 1990 vintage, whether merlot, cabernets or petit verdot, were immediately outstandingly attractive, rich and tender with a tight but soft grain. Today, all the aromas and flavours already mingle sweetly together in this wine whose perfect harmony conceals a power comparable with 1989. It is enjoyable now, just as it was shortly after its bottling, and will surely remain so for the next twenty, thirty, or even more years… to our greatest delight. (February 2025)
Climate
After a mild winter, the flowering was very early but quite long and uneven. As in 1989, the summer was exceptionally hot and so dry that at the end of August the young vines were really suffering from lack of water. The two rainy intervals in September were very beneficial to the final ripening of the grapes, which were harvested in very fine weather. (The picking began on 17th September)
The harvest lasted almost a month as the cabernets ripened much later than the merlot. We even interrupted the picking for 10 days at the end of September to allow the Cabernets to fully ripen. Luck was on our side, as the weather was exceptionally good. 1990 was the third in a run of very fine vintages with 1988 and 1989. After the classic 1988 and the rich, opulent 1989, the 1990 immediately caused great excitement with its charm and great finesse. It’s striking how two vintages with seemingly similar conditions—1989 and 1990—produced such different wines! A few days of intense heat, an untimely rainstorm or a lengthy period of drought can have a big influence! The wines of the 1990 vintage, whether merlot, cabernets or petit verdot, were immediately outstandingly attractive, rich and tender with a tight but soft grain. Today, all the aromas and flavours already mingle sweetly together in this wine whose perfect harmony conceals a power comparable with 1989. It is enjoyable now, just as it was shortly after its bottling, and will surely remain so for the next twenty, thirty, or even more years… to our greatest delight. (February 2025)
Climate
After a mild winter, the flowering was very early but quite long and uneven. As in 1989, the summer was exceptionally hot and so dry that at the end of August the young vines were really suffering from lack of water. The two rainy intervals in September were very beneficial to the final ripening of the grapes, which were harvested in very fine weather. (The picking began on 17th September)
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.