1990 Château La Fleur de Gay

Given the limited production of less than 1,500 cases per year, this is one of the most difficult Pomerols to obtain. I appear to have underrated the 1990 La Fleur de Gay. This outstanding wine, which has put on weight, was not embarrassed when tasted next to the 1989. It offers an opaque purple color, a sweet, jammy nose of black fruits, medium to full body, ripe tannin, and layers of extract and glycerin in its pure, supple, low acid finish. The development of the wine's character, complexity, and richness was surprising. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.

The 1990 La Fleur de Gay was picked from September 19th. It has a very pure bouquet with mulberry, wild hedgerow, peppermint and wet clay. This is well defined and comparatively reserved for a 1990. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry. It has good acidity for the vintage and is surprisingly tight given its age. This fans out modestly toward the finish with touches of dark berries, iodine and a dash of white pepper, though it does not quite possess the tension and effortlessness of the 1988. Tasted June 2011. Tasting note taken from the Pomerol book by Neal Martin.