1990 Magdelaine

Sweet tobacco leaf, roasted Provencal herbs, and cherry fruit bordering on kirsch liqueur combined with an earthy character and a medium-bodied, soft style emerge from this delicious, fully mature 1990. The tannins kick in in the finish, resulting in a slightly angular mouthfeel. Drink this wine over the next several years. Release price: ($425.00/case) Wine Advocate.June, 2009

Tasted in Burgundy from a magnum acquired on release, the 1990 Chateau Magdelaine is what you describe as "classic" Saint Emilion—the kind produced in smaller and smaller quantities (and in this particular case, not at all). It has a clear, dark garnet color. The nose is forward with black fruit, cedar, wet woodland and tobacco aromas that actually give it a Left Bank allure. The palate is very well balanced with fine tannins. For a 1990 Right Bank, it shows surprising structure and reserve, to the point where you would justifiably argue that it actually needs more time. Don't be afraid to open bottles of this lovely Saint Emilion now, but don't feel afraid to store larger formats for many more years. Tasted August 2015. Jul 2016, www.robertparker.com