The first wine I gave 100 points – 1990 Cheval Blanc
The first wine I gave 100 points – 1990 Cheval Blanc
by remyworldpeace
4 Comments
remyworldpeace
My 1,621st note on Cellar Tracker, and the first time I gave 100 points… a 1990 Cheval Blanc perfectly stored in the Berry Bros. & Rudd family reserves.
Gorgeous mature nose, both complex yet elegant. Sweetness from stewed and dried fruit; cranberries, dark cherry. Cocao, mocha, smokey leather, sweet spices, a touch of cashew nut, some forest floor earthiness and tea leaves also present on the complex nose.
A wonderful elegance on the palate; silky yet a concentrated depth to the flavour. This is in a perfect place – mature tertiary complexity balancing the still-present and sweet fruit. Dark cherry, some dried blackcurrant, touch of stewed cranberry. On the long, complex finish notes of coffee, chocolate, some dried flowers, earth, and a touch of sandalwood and unsmoked tobacco leaf. Simply excellent depth, structure and balance.
Opened 30 mins prior then enjoyed as it evolved for 2+ hours in bottle. This continued to open and evolve in glass and had a long peak after about 90 mins. Performs on every level. What a pleasure.
I had such high expectations of this having so enjoyed the 1989 Cheval Blanc (also of the BB&R Family Reserves) and knowing the 1990 is considered an even better vintage. These lofty expectations were met. While this bottle may not have delivered the same raw emotion and unexpected astonishment as some wines I’ve rated 99 points (those that by far surpassed my expectations), I cannot help but keep about how good this was in every way. I cannot fault this or imagine how the wine could be improved on any technical level. I am therefore inclined to give this my first perfect score!
Ceber007
Not trying to be difficult, did any of the so called critics give it 100?
carcarbuhlarbar
Scores… 🙄🥱
Thanks for the notes!
medhat20005
I had this for a special occasion back in ’21 and it was terrific. That said, it confirmed that I don’t need to play in this sandbox with any regularity (same holds true for the Petrus I had last year). Great for a celebration or special event, but TBH I’m fortunate enough to drink a lot of wine in the ~ $100-$150 range that I get essentially equivalent enjoyment from, although i will admit I do have a partiality for aged wines.
Congrats. For many this is a ‘grail’ wine. Glad it lived up to expectations.
4 Comments
My 1,621st note on Cellar Tracker, and the first time I gave 100 points… a 1990 Cheval Blanc perfectly stored in the Berry Bros. & Rudd family reserves.
Gorgeous mature nose, both complex yet elegant. Sweetness from stewed and dried fruit; cranberries, dark cherry. Cocao, mocha, smokey leather, sweet spices, a touch of cashew nut, some forest floor earthiness and tea leaves also present on the complex nose.
A wonderful elegance on the palate; silky yet a concentrated depth to the flavour. This is in a perfect place – mature tertiary complexity balancing the still-present and sweet fruit. Dark cherry, some dried blackcurrant, touch of stewed cranberry. On the long, complex finish notes of coffee, chocolate, some dried flowers, earth, and a touch of sandalwood and unsmoked tobacco leaf. Simply excellent depth, structure and balance.
Opened 30 mins prior then enjoyed as it evolved for 2+ hours in bottle. This continued to open and evolve in glass and had a long peak after about 90 mins. Performs on every level. What a pleasure.
I had such high expectations of this having so enjoyed the 1989 Cheval Blanc (also of the BB&R Family Reserves) and knowing the 1990 is considered an even better vintage. These lofty expectations were met. While this bottle may not have delivered the same raw emotion and unexpected astonishment as some wines I’ve rated 99 points (those that by far surpassed my expectations), I cannot help but keep about how good this was in every way. I cannot fault this or imagine how the wine could be improved on any technical level. I am therefore inclined to give this my first perfect score!
Not trying to be difficult, did any of the so called critics give it 100?
Scores… 🙄🥱
Thanks for the notes!
I had this for a special occasion back in ’21 and it was terrific. That said, it confirmed that I don’t need to play in this sandbox with any regularity (same holds true for the Petrus I had last year). Great for a celebration or special event, but TBH I’m fortunate enough to drink a lot of wine in the ~ $100-$150 range that I get essentially equivalent enjoyment from, although i will admit I do have a partiality for aged wines.
Congrats. For many this is a ‘grail’ wine. Glad it lived up to expectations.