Pontet Canet 1990

Not having tasted this for several years, I find that the nose has a good level of freshness, with aromas of blackberry, black plum, tobacco, gravel and sous-bois, but certainly showing none of the heat of the vintage. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, a little dry and bretty perhaps, almost foursquare but with a nice balance and focus. Good acidity. Perhaps like the 1995, the finish is a little linear, straight-laced and foursquare with notes of cedar, tobacco, a touch of Provencal herbs. Moderate length. Considering this is from an older era of Pontet-Canet I like this more than I expected although a pale shadow of what is being conjured nowadays. Drink now-2015. Tasted May 2009.