In terms of the brilliant complexity and nobility of the aromatics, scorched earth,

black currants, plums, charcoal, cedar, and spices, the 1990 offers an aromatic

explosion that is unparalleled. It is always fascinating to taste this wine next to

the 1989, which is a monumental effort, but much more backward and denser,

without the aromatic complexity of the 1990. The 1990 put on weight after

bottling, and is currently rich, full - bodied, opulent, even flamboyant by Haut

Brion’s standards. It is an incredible expression of a noble terroir in a top vintage.

While it has been fully mature for a number of years, it does not reveal any

bricking at the edge, and I suspect it will stay at this level for another 10 - 15

years ... but why wait? It is irresistible now. /RP /Jun 2009