Chateau Leoville Barton 1990

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Very, very rich and velvety. Meaty and seductive. Rich, exotically floral. (It certainly seemed as though from a completely different century when served immediately after the 1961.) Very sweet and drinking beautifully now."

WEINWISSER: "Aufhellendes Weinrot, feiner Wasserrand. Offenes, bereits recht entwickeltes Bouquet, dominikanischer Tabak, helle Schokonoten. Im Gaumen eher schlank, langer Körper, schöne Süsse im Extrakt, gute Länge, erste Genussreife. Barton im alten Stil."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "The 1990 Leoville Barton is medium brick in color. It shoots from the glass with notes of fruitcake, dried cranberries, potpourri, unsmoked cigars, and cast-iron pan, with hints of ground cloves and incense. The light-bodied palate is fantastically light on its feet and refreshing, with a light chewiness to the tannins and a long, spicy finish."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Believe it or not, the 1990 Leoville Barton can actually be drunk - something that cannot be said about the broodingly backward, still excruciatingly tannic 1982. The exceptionally concentrated 1990 reveals more polished, sweeter tannins along with a big, sweet kiss of black currant, forest floor, cedar, and spice box notes. While it still has some tannins to shed, this full-bodied, powerful, long wine is approachable. It should continue to evolve for another two decades. Release price: ($350.00/case)"

WINE SPECTATOR: "Dark ruby color with a red edge. Subtle aromas ofblack cherry and plum, with hints of mineral andsmoke. Full-bodied, with a compacted fruitstructure, firm tannins and a long finish. Asoutstanding as it should be. Needs time.--1990Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. 22,000 cases made."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Still backwards and with boatloads of tannin, this traditionally styled, masculine, tannic wine demands another decade of sleep."