Top 100 Wine Spectator 1990

Aqui vai mais uma (muitos brancos alemães entre os 20 primeiros):

Top 100 Wines of 1990  

Rank Wine Vintage Score Release Price

1  Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Private Reserve 1986 95 $30

Deliciously rich and concentrated, the layers of herb, mint, cherry and plum flavors are tightly wound together and framed by toasty oak and firm tannins. Elegant and stylish, this beautifully proportioned wine echoes fruit and oak. Drink now through 2001. 4,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

2  Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Special Selection 1985 99 $240

Has wonderful herb, tea, currant, black cherry and plum aromas, with rich, complex, tightly knit Cabernet flavors wrapped in ginger, chocolate, vanilla and spice. While the flavors are showy now, they're still years away from reaching full maturity. The tannins are smooth and polished. Best after 1996. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

3  Chartron & Trébuchet Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 1988 96 $34

Incredible depth and concentration with layers of fresh, ripe, rich honey, pear, spice and toasty vanilla flavors on the finish that echo on and on. You rarely see wines of this kind of depth, concentration and complexity anywhere. Drink now through 1995 200 cases made. – Country: Region:  France Burgundy

4  Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino 1985 95 $36

Rich and opulent, with generous cherry, raspberry and anise aromas and flavors flecked by touches of chocolate, coffee, nutmeg and other exotic spices. The tannins are there but not domineering, making for a seductive wine that ought to start being presenable around 1994 to '98. 6,600 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany

5  Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Martha's Vineyard 1985 98 $60

Has arrestingly rich, complex currant, black cherry, spice,. Minty flavors echo on the finish. Best to cellar. Best from 1996 through 2000. 3,800 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

6  Opus One Napa Valley 1987 97 $68

A great marriage of fruit and oak, with incredibly deep, rich, concentrated flavors. Has lavish oak and ripe, intense currant, black cherry, anise and plum flavors that keep on developing in an amazingly complex wine. It's tannic but supple and beautiful. 11,500 cases made. – Country: Region:  California Napa

7  Daniel Rion & Fils Nuits-St.-Georges Les Vignes Rondes 1987 95 $35

Immediately attractive, with opulent cherry and plum flavors framed by sweet, toasty oak. The flavors unfold with complexity on the long finish. Intense and concentrated, but elegant enough to keep you coming back for another sip. Drink now through 1995. 300 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

8  Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr (AP 2) 1988 98 $24

 – Country: Region: Germany Germany

9  Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1987 96 $36

Lean and powerful, this has sharply focused blackberry, currant and cherry flavors and lovely touches of vanilla, herb and nutmeg in the aroma and on the long finish. An artistocratic, harmonious wine worth cellaring until at least 1995, but you could drink it tonight. 2,750 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

10  Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1987 95 $19

Incredibly fruity, very rich, supple, smooth and elegant. Has ripe currant, black cherry, plum and anise flavors layered with spicy tannins and a firm overlay of earth and oak on the finish. One of the greatest Washington Cabs we've tasted. Should peak in 1994 or '95. 804 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington

11  Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1987 95 $20

Delicious, with its intense, concentrated, rich and sharply focused black cherry, currant and chocolate flavors. Despite the abundant flavors and tannins, the texture is still smooth and seductive. Deceptively powerful and amazingly graceful. Best Cabernet ever from Duckhorn. Best from 1993 through 2002. 4,958 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

12  C. von Schubert Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Maximin Grünhäuser Abstberg 1988 96 $18

 – Country: Region: Germany Germany

13  William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 1987 95 $39

A rich core of focused, concentrated currant, black cherry and plum flavors balances beautifully with finely integrated tannins, marking this as a potentially magnificent wine with cellaring until 1995 to 2000. Has the muscle and grace to evolve into a majestic wine, even though it has the fruit to drink now. 11,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

14  Zilliken Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Saarburger Rausch 1988 95 $17

 – Country: Region: Germany Germany

15  Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Limited Reserve 1986 96 $35

The first reserve from Silverado is a classic for the cellar. Plush and generous aromas, with rich and sharply focused flavors, and delicious cherry, plum, currant, oak and spice notes stay with you from start to finish. Tight and concentrated, with supple texture and firm tannins. Best from 1996 through 2005. 1,400 cases made. – Country: Region:  California Napa

16  La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 1987 95 $25

A beautifully defined wine, with deep, rich, intense and supple black currant flavors. It's pure and complex, with a pretty overlay of toasty oak flavors that blend together, creating a wine of great harmony and finesse. Has enough tannin to last a decade or more. Best after 1993. 2,700 cases made. – Country: Region:  California Napa

17  Bollinger Brut Champagne Grande Année 1985 96 $45

A monument to Champagne. Has superb structure. A full-bodied, massive, rich, fruity wine, with intense aromas of yeast and dough, a solid backbone and a super-long finish. Has great aging potential. Better in 1994 to '96, but who can wait to drink it? 15,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Champagne

18  Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 1986 95 $30

Dense in color and aroma, this wine has a bold, rich, deeply concentrated core of currant, black cherry, plum and toasty, earthy Cabernet flavors. Brace yourself for the intense tannins, but the flavors glide across the palate. It's beautifully balanced and built for cellaring up to a decade or so. 2,100 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

19  Groth Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 1985 95 $30

Ripe, concentrated and powerful, oozing with blackberry, cedar and earth aromas and flavors, enormously complex and distinctive. Not for everyone, but seductive in its way. Drink now. 500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

20  Emmanuel Rouget Echézeaux 1988 96 $81

A plush texture and expansive berry and cassis aromas and flavors make this immediately appealing. The complexity develops on the long finish in layer after layer; it's obvious this is going to be a great wine. The length is stunning and it's tempting al 200 cases made. – Country: Region:  France Burgundy

21  Bodegas Vega Sicilia Ribera del Duero Unico Gran Reserva 1979 95 $0

Sappy aromas and flavors detract from an otherwise nicely built, smooth and buttery wine. Drinkable now, but don't wait. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Spain Spain

22  Dopff Au Moulin Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 1988 95 $19

 – Country: Region: France Alsace

23  St. Francis Merlot Sonoma Valley Reserve 1986 94 $28

Haul out the thesaurus. This one deserves all the adjectives you can find. Rich, opulent, supple and complex, with generous plum and vanilla aromas and flavors, magnificent depth and concentration. Drinkable now. 1,042 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

24  Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1986 94 $22

Clearly the best regular Cabernet from Caymus yet. Complex, elegant and delicious already, with chocolate- and smoke-tinged plum and cherry aromas and flavors. Supple, smooth and amazingly long on the finish. Uncommonly complex and elegant; drinkable now. 4,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

25  Sanford Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Barrel Select 1988 94 $25

A real hummer. Rich, lush and fruity without being heavy, it shows tons of fruit and a long, lingering aftertaste. Has bold, complex aromas and flavors of pineapple, butter, pear, cream and honey, full-bodied with firm acidity. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California South Coast

26  Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Kistler Vineyard 1988 94 $26

Oozing with rich, opulent, delicious pear, honey, vanilla, lemon and spicy nutmeg flavors that explode on the palate, displaying uncommon finesse and a smooth creamy texture that allows the flavors to glide across the palate. Has an amazingly long and intense finish. 507 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

27  Giuseppe Mascarello & Figlio Barolo Santo Stefano di Perno 1985 94 $35

Powerful, complex and elegant, with blackberry, plum, cedar, smoke and gamy aromas and flavors that carry through the long finish. Tannic but balanced. Cellar until 2000. A better showing than two previous tastings. 800 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

28  Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Reserve 1985 94 $30

Dense, rich and complex, this wine keeps unfolding with every sip, offering coffee, cherry, nutmeg, plum, and then herb and currant flavors and a velvety texture. Drink from 1995. 2,300 cases made. – Country: Region:
California Sonoma

29  Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1986 94 $26

An outstanding wine from an outstanding vintage. Firm in texture and generous in flavor, offering intense currant and dill aromas and flavors that are powerful and long on the finish. This is beautifully made, richly tannic and concentrated. Needs time to shade the flavors¿try in 1995 or '96. 3,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

30  Château Latour Martillac Pessac-Léognan White 1987 93 $15

One of the best Bordeaux whites we've tasted in a while, deliciously rich and complex with tiers of citric, earth, stone and fig flavors that are intense and lively. The finish goes on and on. Definitive style. Drink now through 1995. 3,500 cases made. – Country: Region:  France Bordeaux

31  Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 1987 93 $22

A beautiful wine at a great price. Rich, supple and generous, the pretty plum, cherry, spice and nutmeg flavors combine to make a complex, elegant wine. Drink now. 8,300 cases made. – Country: Region:
California Sonoma

32  Sterling Reserve Napa Valley 1986 95 $43

Smooth and absolutely delicious, with disarming currant and plum aromas and flavors, an enormous sense of elegance and grace, polished and very long. Clearly a serious wine, already complex but, cellar a few bottles. The reserve has a great track record for aging. Best after 1994. 3,432 cases made. – Country: Region:
California Napa

33  Chartron & Trébuchet Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières Domaine Jean Chartron 1988 94 $38

Pear, honey and spice aromas and flavors merge effortlessly on an elegant, supple structure, becoming smooth and harmonious. A classy wine from first whiff to last echo of the aftertaste. Drink now. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

34  Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1987 92 $25

Another standout from one of California's best wineries. Ripe, round and lovely, bubbling over with spicy strawberry and currant aromas and flavors, long and lively. Should be smooth, elegant and drinkable now. 10,988 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

35  Lanson Brut Champagne Gold Label 1985 93 $37

A super Champagne. Wonderfully focused and well balanced, with focused lemon and apple aromas, sweet, ripe lemon flavor and hints of dough. Medium-bodied, with a creamy mouth-feel. 40,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Champagne

36  Silverado Vineyards Merlot Stags Leap District 1987 92 $14

Big and firm, with plenty of generous raspberry and plum aromas and flavors, opening up beautifully on the palate to a long finish. The tannins are tough enough to indicate cellaring until 1993 or '94. A harmonious wine that just needs time. 1,941 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

37  Franciscan Oakville Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley Reserve 1987 92 $15

Big, rich and creamy, with buttery pear and subtle oak shadings that offer complexity and finesse and a rich toasty-smoky aftertaste that lingers. Elegant and stylish. Drink now. 600 cases made. – Country: Region:
California Napa

38  Bodegas Inviosa Tierra de Barros Lar de Barros Reserva 1986 91 $8

Earthy, ripe, complex and distinctive, with toast, cherry, prune and chocolate flavors intertwined in a soft, velvety package that firms up and gets a little tannic on the finish. Long and concentrated, this complex wine is unlike any other we have tasted. 12,500 cases made. – Country: Region: Spain Spain

39  Rosemount Shiraz Hunter Valley 1988 90 $8

An outstanding red wine. Very ripe and rich, with plenty of tension between the plummy, cherrylike Shiraz flavors and the toasty, vanilla aromas of new oak; tightly structured but showing enough generous flavor to warrant cellaring until 1993 and beyond. 6,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Australia Australia

40  Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1987 93 $16

Cedar, vanilla, spice and currant aromas give way to similar flavors that are full-bodied and rich. The wonderful proportion of oak and tannins balances the solid core of supple fruit. Best between now and 2001. A new wine that blends the Caymus Napa Estate and Napa Cuvée. 16,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

41  Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay Alexander Valley 1988 93 $18

Has enormous concentration of fruit, with layers of melon, apple, pear, spicy nutmeg and subtle honey and toast flavors that add a pleasant dimension to the gorgeous fruit. The texture is silky smooth and the flavors echo long and full. Drink now. 22,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

42  Argyle Chardonnay Oregon Barrel Fermented 1987 93 $19

Best Oregon Chardonnay we've ever tasted.Full-bodied and rich but graceful, with plenty offruit flavor and complex accents of honey, spiceand vanilla. Its elegant, supple style supportsclassic pear, apple and melon notes. Drink now. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Oregon Oregon

43  Merryvale Chardonnay Napa Valley 1987 93 $19

Very distinctive, from the toasty, earthy aromas, through the crisp acidity and intense pear and spice flavors, to the intense, lingering aftertaste, this magnificently structured wine is packed with unique flavors and is drinkable now through 1993. 2,300 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

44  Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1985 92 $11

A tight, sharply focused, richly flavored wine, with cedary oak, weedy black currant, mint and black cherry flavors that are elegant and graceful despite the veil of tannins. The intensity and concentration of fruit promise more than is showing now. Best to cellar until 1994. 2,200 cases made. – Country: Region:
California Napa

45  Byron Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 1988 92 $12

An outstanding wine that's reasonably priced. Rich, intense and concentrated, with sharply focused honey, apple and pineapple flavors that dance on the palate, framed by just the right amount of oak. Complex and intriguing. Drink now. 6,538 cases made. – Country: Region: California South Coast

46  Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga Rancia Riserva 1985 93 $23

Outstanding. Very rich and concentrated, almost chocolaty in flavor and full-bodied, with supple texture and plenty of cherry and ripe plum flavors, firm tannins and hints of smoke and spice. Needs more time to mature. Best from 1991 through 1994. 900 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany

47  Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso 1987 93 $20

Very ripe and rich, with aromas of cedar and fruit and well-integrated currant, cherry, berry, oak and toast flavors. The tannins are firm, but not overbearing on the finish. The best Martini Cabernet since the sensational 1970. Best from 1995 through 2000. 1,450 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

48  Mazzocco Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Claret Style 1987 93 $20

Delicious layers of complex, concentrated and rich cassis, currant, vanilla and plum flavors abound in this sharply focused, beautifully structured style. It's long and elegant, with just the right balance of tannin, oak and acidity. 1,200 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

49  Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 1986 93 $48

Smooth, harmonious and distinctive, with well-integrated currant, smoke, herb and meat aromas and flavors marked by lavish oak. A beautifully crafted wine, echoing all the complex flavors on the finish. Drink from 1995. 17,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

50  Lucien Geoffroy Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Prieur 1987 93 $29

Beautifully concentrated, focused, harmonious, artfully balanced between the generous blackberry and cherry flavors and the vanilla, toast and spice of oak. Full-bodied, bursting with fruit and already graceful. Has the stuffing to age well into the late '90s. 150 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

51  Château Magdelaine St.-Emilion 1986 94 $48

Very ripe and full-bodied, with plenty of cherry, plum and brown sugar flavors on a powerful frame of acid and tannins. The rich, chocolatey finish lasts and lasts. Needs till 1996 or beyond for the tannins to loosen. 3,800 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux

52  Clos du Bois Chardonnay Alexander Valley Winemaker's Reserve 1987 93 $24

A rich, smooth, creamy style that offers a broad array of pretty honey, melon, butterscotch and apple flavors along with a subtle touch of nutmeg and spice. Satiny smooth texture, and a long full finish. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 1993. 3,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

53  Olivier Leflaive Frères Puligny-Montrachet 1987 93 $33

Incredibly rich and toasty, with butterscotch and oak, but has the fruit integrity to stand up to the flavors imparted by heavily toasted barrels. It's big and full-bodied, with pear and tangerine notes and generous acidity. Drink now through 1994. 3,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

54  E. Roberto Cosimi Brunello di Montalcino Il Poggiolo 1985 93 $34

Spicy, elegant and plush in texture, with supple tannins supporting beautifully focused raspberry, anise and toast aromas and flavors. A hint of tamarind adds an exotic note to this A-1 wine that ought to keep improving through at least the rest of the century. 480 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany

55  Michel Bouzereau & Fils Meursault Genevrières 1988 93 $37

It's wound up tight, but this is a very polished and elegant wine underneath. A toasty, nutty, oaky quality accents the intense, tight grapefruit, apple and pineapple flavors that linger beautifully on the tangy finish. Won't show its best until 1993 to 400 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

56  Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay Alexander Valley Robert Young Vineyard Reserve 1985 93 $40

Beautifully ripe, fruity and gaining maturity, this is complex in aroma, full and pearlike in flavor and beginning to show the intriguing effects of age in the earthy, buttery notes and creamy, velvety texture. Stays crips and fruity on the finish. It can safely cellared through 1995.  – Country: Region: California Sonoma

57  E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Turque 1986 95 $100

A concentrated, powerful, flavorful wine, just oozing with plum, berry and spice aromas and flavors that are long and sweet on the finish. There 's lots of complexity here already, but it's so tight that it could keep developingwell into the next century 250 cases made. – Country: Region: France Northern Rhône

58  Jean Gros Richebourg 1987 95 $170

The class shows clearly in this wine, sending out waves of vanilla, cherry and toast aromas, reining in the flavors to a delicate, finely proportioned finish marked by richness of oak and a touch of gaminess. A gorgeous wine, drinkable now, but cellar it 900 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

59  Gaja Cabernet Sauvignon Darmagi 1986 94 $76

A powerful, generous wine from the first whiff of cedar-tinged Cabernet grapes to the last echo of plum, vanilla and toast on the finish. Rich in flavor, showing concentration and depth to spare; delicious to drink now but cellaring until 1993 or '94 can only improve it. 900 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

60  Château d'Yquem Sauternes 1984 96 $110

Smooth and polished, with generous fig, caramel and molasses aromas and flavors. Sweet but elegant, echoing apricot and ginger on the finish. A very well-made wine from an unheralded vintage. Drinkable now.  – Country: Region: France Sauternes

61  Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 1988 92 $18

Remarkable for its rich, deep, complex chocolate, cherry, toast and vanilla flavors that are smooth and concentrated, backed with toasty oak and firm, supple tannins. It glides across the palate. Elegant and stylish, delicious to drink now, but should improve through 1993. 597 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

62  Viticcio Prunaio 1986 92 $19

A Sangiovese blend with lots of complexity on a tight, elegant frame. Shows anise and smoke aromas and cherry, strawberry and blackberry flavors wrapped in a veil of tannin that will need until 1993 to '95 to soften. Offers plenty of style and finesse. 2,820 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany

63  Snoqualmie Merlot Columbia Valley Reserve 1987 91 $12

This unusually concentrated youthful wine is not yet elegant or complex, but it has vivid, focused black cherry and grape flavors in a lush texture, with stiff, young tannins that will need till 1993 or beyond to loosen up. 1,140 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington

64  Capezzana Ghiaie della Furba 1985 91 $20

Ripe and deep, with tightly furled raspberry, plum and cassis flavors beneath a veneer of minerally, earthy character. Not very tannic, but tight enough and powerful enough to require cellaring until it opens up. Best after 1993. 1,295 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany

65  Domaine Auffray Chablis Les Clos 1988 92 $38

Remarkably complex, with delicious lemon, pear, toast and apple flavors that are sharply focused, supple, silky smooth and complex. The flavors build on the finish, echoing pear and toast. Drink now through 1994. 1,100 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

66  René & Vincent Dauvissat Chablis Les Clos 1988 92 $41

Elegant and rich, with more vanilla than you would normally expect from a Chablis. But there are plenty of pear, melon and lemon flavors. Chablis doesn't get much more complex than this. Drink now through 1993. 500 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

67  Bodegas Vega Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 3.° Reserva 1985 92 $55

A vivid, vibrant Spanish wine, with focused, concentrated wild berry and plum aromas and flavors framed by sweet oak and a touch of anise. There is so much fruit it is tempting to drink it now, but it has the structure to last through at least 1994 or 1995. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Spain Spain

68  Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros 1988 91 $20

Difficult to find a better Pinot Noir at this reasonable price. Aromatic, flavorful and elegant, offering plenty of spicy raspberry and cherry flavors up-front and turning supple and warm on the palate. Nuances of oak are carefully folded in. Drink now. 10,200 cases made. – Country: Region: California Carneros

69  Edmunds St. John Les Fleurs du Chaparral Napa Valley 1987 91 $15

A terrific California novelty. With earthy flavors and aromas reminiscent of a good northern Rhône, it's big and luscious, with a core of plum and blackberry flavors and attractive accents of game and smoke. This is a well-balanced, beautifully structured wine. The tannins are firm but fine. It's tempting now, but should improve through 1993. 105 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

70  Brown Brothers Chardonnay King Valley Reserve 1987 91 $16

A Chardonnay that's rich, complex, delicious and beautifully balanced, with everything you could ask for. Flavors of fig, pear, butter and spice last from the aroma to the lingering finish. 35,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Australia Australia

71  Freemark Abbey Johannisberg Riesling Napa Valley Edelwein Gold 1989 92 $22

With its golden color and honey, apricot and subtle spice aromas and flavors, this is a knockout from the first whiff to the last echo of the long finish. A rich, sweet wine that is drinkable and seductive now and should continue to develop through 2000. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

72  Luciano Sandrone Barolo Cannubi Boschis 1985 92 $30

Ripe, round and generous and smooth and spicy from aging in new oak barrels, but bursting with Barolo flavors that echo forever on the finish. With its layers of berry, cherry and anise flavors, it can only devlop more depth with cellaring through at least 1995.  – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

73  Elio Altare Barolo 1985 92 $24

Rich and elegant, with generous floral and berry aromas and flavors supported by-rather than hidden by-the tannins. One of the most elegant Barolos we've tried, long and pure. Drink now through 2000. 606 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

74  Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 1985 92 $27

Smells like anise-flavored grappa at first, turning tannic and powerful on the palate, but the raspberry and vanilla flavors emerge forcefully from the grip of tannin. Big enough to need until the turn of the century, but it has the power and complexity to win in the end. Needs cellaring until 1998 to 2000. 800 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

75  Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Ribera del Duero Pesquera Reserva 1986 92 $25

This tight, concentrated and complex Spanish red oozes with fruit flavor and has very firm tannins and acidity. Blackberry and raspberry flavors linger on the finish, joined by hints of butter and spice. Tempting to drink now, but better to cellar throug 2,500 cases made. – Country: Region: Spain Spain

76  Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1985 92 $30

A classic wine from a classic vintage. Very ripe and concentrated, with cherry, coffee and nutmeg flavors that carry through to the long finish. Beautifully proportioned, but veiled in tannins that will need until at least the turn of the century to rece 20,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany

77  Bridgehampton Chardonnay Long Island Grand Vineyard Selection 1988 91 $18

Very smooth, harmonious and balanced, offering well-defined pear, orange and vanilla aromas and flavors, hinting at butterscotch and honey on the long finish. A delicious wine for current drinking, and probably worth aging. Drink now through 1993. 400 cases made. – Country: Region: New York Long Island

78  Cline Oakley Cuvée Contra Costa County 1988 90 $12

Well knit, supple and beautifully flavored with vivid black cherry, spice and blackberry. Elegant in texture and nicely balanced with good acidity and moderate tannins. Drink soon. 3,100 cases made. – Country: Region: California Bay Area/Central Coast

79  Trimbach Riesling Alsace Cuvée Frédéric Émile 1988 91 $15

 – Country: Region: France Alsace

80  Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Bucerchiale Riserva 1985 91 $19

A great wine. It's beautifully focused, complex and deep in flavor, with notes of cherry, spice and chocolate and tannins that are firm but soft. The fruit complexity lingers a long time on the finish. Drink now to 1994. 500 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany

81  Ponzi Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Reserve 1987 91 $20

Deliciously rich and complex, with ripe, concentrated plum, cherry and spice notes that offer depth and grace. The finish follows through, showcasing the plummy richness. The toasty oak echoes on the finish. Drink now to 1995.  – Country: Region: Oregon Oregon

82  Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon Washington 1987 91 $22

Loaded with layers of fresh currant, plum and cherry flavors framed by toasty, cedary oak that echoes vanilla and chocolate notes. Rich and concentrated, with flavors that linger on the finish. Elegantly balanced and tannic enough to cellar. Best after 1994. 605 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington

83  Mumm Cuvée Napa Brut Napa Valley Carneros Winery Lake 1987 91 $22

Elegant, complex and toasty, with tart lemon, honey and spice flavors extending into a long finish. It's a mouthful of flavor but not full-bodied. It's balanced, creamy and strikes a middle chord between lightness and richness. 2,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Carneros

84  E. Guigal Hermitage 1986 92 $34

Very firm and elegant, with a burst of raspberry and black pepper flavors that just go on forever on the finish. Soft tannins and a touch of new oak frame the wine beautifully, and with time it ought to emerge gorgeously. Drink starting 1993.  – Country: Region: France Northern Rhône

85  Prince Florent de Mérode Corton Les Renardes 1987 92 $36

Earthy, woody and tannic red Burgundy in a reined-in style, with a beautifu l core of rich, supple, concentrated strawberry, cherry and spice flavors. Wonderfully balanced; should age a decade with ease. Begin drinking in '92. 250 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

86  Ca' Romé di Romano Marengo Barbaresco Maria di Brun 1985 92 $37

Very firm, tannic and austere, with hints of spice and earthiness on the reined-in raspberry and anise aromas and flavors that grow more complex on the finish. Drink now.  – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

87  Simi Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 1988 90 $8

A polished, distinctive wine that's crisp and flavorful, with ripe, spicy, concentrated flavors of rich, honeyed quince and fig. Has hints of grassiness and impressive length. Drinkable now. 10,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

88  Silverado Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 1988 90 $8

Hard to imagine a better California Sauvignon Blanc. Rich, intense and loaded with rip fig, lemon, herb, and spice flavors, it has a very enticing, fine structure with lively flavors that build to the finish and carry on. Best from 1990 through 1992. 15,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

89  Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Lake County Vintner's Reserve 1989 90 $9

With powerful grassy, fruity aromas, full, crisp flavors and a lingering, light finish, this is unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc. Herbs, vanilla and tasty peach flavors fill out the profile. 80,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Mendocino/Lake

90  Bodegas Berberana Rioja Reserva 1985 90 $11

Lean and rather one-dimensional, but pleasant, with nutty, bright cherry flavors. Silky and rather simple on the palate. Drink now.  – Country: Region: Spain Spain

91  A. Rafanelli Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 1988 90 $10

Massively proportioned, with elegance and finesse. Tiers of ripe raspberry, plum and cherry flavors are complex and concentrated, seasoned by the spicy dill flavors of American oak. Drink now to 1995. 5,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

92  Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Napa Valley 1988 90 $10

Rich and opulent, with sharply focused sweet pea, fig, melon and herb notes that are intense and lively. Has fine depth, elegant balance and flavors that linger long and full on the finish. Drink now through 1993. 8,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa

93  Snoqualmie Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1987 90 $10

Rich, jammy, ripe and seductive, overflowing with great fruit flavor and backed by a good structure of tannins and acidity; this wine is pure pleasure. Drink now through 1993. 3,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington

94  Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas 1986 90 $13

Exotic aromas of raisins, spice and leather give way to rich, mature fruit flavors and firm tannins. The flavors are complex and intriguing and it's drinkable now, but it could be cellared through 1993 or beyond. Great quality for the price. 2,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Southern Rhône

95  Valfieri Barolo 1985 90 $13

Earthy and tannic but beautifully balanced; this is dense and concentrated, with cedar, spice, smoke, prune and anise aromas and flavors. Fragrant and appealing on the nose, it needs time to absorb its tannin. Best after 1996. 2,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

96  Lytton Springs Zinfandel Sonoma County 1988 90 $12

Ripe and jammy, with beautifully defined raspberry aromas and flavors and hints of plum, nutmeg, vanilla and toast to make it more interesting. Claret-style in structure and well balanced. Lovely now but should continue to develop. Drink now through 1994. 6,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma

97  Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 1986 90 $12

Relatively light and elegant, but marvelously focused and concentrated, with brilliant raspberry, anise, earth and nutmeg aromas and flavors playing across the tongue. Needs until 1995 to shed its excess tannin. 17,500 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont

98  J.J. Vincent & Fils Pouilly-Fuissé 1988 90 $15

A great value in white Burgundy. Spicy, full-bodied, clean and packed with youthful fruit flavors that should develop with time. Layers of nutmeg, vanilla, pear and apple give it complexity. Tempting now, but should improve. Drink now through 1993. 5,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy

99  Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Kitterlé 1988 90 $14

 – Country: Region: France Alsace

100  N. Joly Savennières-Coulée de Serrant Clos de la Coulée de Serrant 1989 91 $33

Source: http://vinhosemaisvinhos.blogspot.com/2010/08/top-100-wine-spectator-1990.html