Uma edição muito especial, recheada com a safra 1989 de Bordeaux. Alguns vinhos nota 100 e até o 30º vinho, apenas 1 com pontuação abaixo de 95. E a grande surpresa, na posição 74, o primeiro vinho sul-americano a chegar a lista, o Don Melchor 1988 (2ª safra), que em anos vindouros subirá muitas posições neste ranking e vai virar figurinha fácil no álbum...
Top 100 Wines of 1992
Rank Wine Vintage Score Release Price
1 Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron Pauillac 1989 98 $45
Defines purity and intensity. Shows unbelievable concentration of fruit, with amazing blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and vanilla flavors and a great tannin structure. A breathtaking wine. Best after 1998. 20,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
2 Château Clerc Milon Pauillac 1989 96 $33
Superbly made, giving the essence of Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of cassis and earth aromas and flavors, spiced with excellent new wood; there is a classic backbone of well-integrated tannins. Best after 1999. 8,700 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
3 Château Margaux Margaux 1989 99 $80
A great Bordeaux that needs only time to develop. Seductive, with a superb concentration of vanilla, spice, blackberry and cherry aromas and flavors. Has an iron backbone of tannins, but it still shows class and finesse. Seems to last forever on the palate. Best after 1999. 25,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region:
France Bordeaux
4 Château Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac 1989 99 $110
One of the stars in every vintage. The exciting 1989 Mouton defines class and concentration, with thick, chewy cassis, mint and berry flavors, full, silky tannins and great harmony. Best after 2000. 25,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
5 Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 1990 100 $140
A benchmark wine for Burgundy. Defines harmony and class, with layer upon layer of ripe earth and raspberry flavors and a great deal of refined new oak. Has a deep, complex, velvety finish. Best from 1998 through 2000. 1,500 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Burgundy
6 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon Washington 1989 96 $25
Magnificently rich, concentrated and deep. An elegant wine that serves up ripe plum, cherry and currant flavors with spice, toast, vanilla and cedar aromas. Inspiring and as good as any from Washington. Best from 1996 through 2002. 1,033 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington
7 Rosemount Shiraz South Eastern Australia 1990 92 $9
A stylish wine, with power and grace in equal portions, offering generous currant, toast and plum flavors shaded by hints of pepper and gaminess. Beautifully balanced from start to finish, with dark cherry flavor holding on through the aftertaste. Drinkable now. A great value. 24,000 cases made. – Country: Region:
Australia Australia
8 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 1990 92 $13
Amazingly concentrated for a simple Chianti, this is overflowing with wild raspberry and smoke characteristics and shows a wonderful, smooth texture. Gorgeous. Drinkable now. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
9 Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac 1989 98 $48
A wine with great mass; this is a complete fruit bomb, showing blueberry, cassis and mint flavors and tons of silky tannins. Truly amazing; better than the superb '85. Best after 1998. 35,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
10 Joseph Drouhin Charmes-Chambertin 1990 96 $81
Opulent and sensational, with ripe fruit flavors that ooze from the glass. Not only does it have amazing fruit, but the tannins are equally impressive and are in near-perfect balance. Drink in 1998. – Country: Region:
France Burgundy
11 Château Pétrus Pomerol 1989 100 $390
A Rolls-Royce of a wine. Explosive and opulent; perhaps as great as the '61. Big and powerful, with super-rich berry, tobacco and olive flavors and full, round, ripe tannins. Will go on for decades. Best after 1999. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
12 Château L'Église Clinet Pomerol 1989 96 $45
Rich, warm, smooth and polished, with pretty, ripe, focused currant, herb, spice and oak flavors that are concentrated and deep. This gorgeous wine is packed with elegant flavors and has a long, complex aftertaste. Best from 1997 through 2001. 1,850 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
13 Château La Fleur de Gay Pomerol 1989 98 $95
Stellar in quality, with great concentration but also great finesse. Exuberant blackberry and tobacco aromas with hints of cedar lead to masses of fruit on the palate and full, silky tannins. One for the next century. 2,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
14 Château Latour Pauillac 1989 97 $95
We underrated Latour when tasted from the barrel. Gorgeous, with a captivating mixture of ripe berry and tobacco flavors and new wood notes. Has excellent concentration and a balance of fine tannins. Best after 1998. 17,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
15 Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 1989 97 $90
Big and meaty, with lots of fruit and full tannins, but featuring a sweetness and silkiness on the finish. A wine for aging. Best after 1998. 12,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
16 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 1988 98 $150
A dramatic, classic wine, with a rough, youthful edge. Combines deep, rich, penetrating fruit nuances that echo classic Côte-Rôtie roasted flavors of currant, plum and earthy, leathery notes enhanced by spice and pepper. The tannins are firm and tight. C 700 cases made. – Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
17 Gaja Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo 1988 96 $125
A great wine from Barbaresco's best producer. Deep, concentrated and powerful, with bare-knuckle tannins that stand up to the ripe, rich, earthy currant, chocolate, vanilla and raspberry flavors. Dense and complex, a real mouthful of wine, with a fantastic finish. Will need until 2000 at the earliest. 877 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
18 Château Larmande St.-Emilion 1989 95 $28
A rising star of the region. Classically well made and sophisticated, with impressive blackberry, mint and chocolate aromas and flavors and very firm tannins on the finish. Almost like a Médoc in structure. Best after 1997. 8,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
19 Château Lagrange St.-Julien 1989 95 $29
Like the '88, this is superbly crafted, with berry, licorice and cassis aromas and flavors and a huge alcohol and tannin structure, but it's not overpowering. Shows great balance. Best after 1998. 20,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
20 Château de Fieuzal Pessac-Léognan 1989 95 $32
A big Bordeaux, with great presence on the palate and a stylish character of black pepper, raisin, earth, game and fruit flavors. Has a full tannin structure, but it's ripe and firm. Best after 1998. 7,500 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
21 Roberto Anselmi Recioto di Soave I Capitelli 1988 95 $34
Fasten your seat belts, because this wine takes you for an exciting ride. Packed with apricot, honey and pear flavors and tobacco and cedar notes, it's smooth, subtle and velvety. Drink now through 1996. 400 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Veneto
22 Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis 1989 95 $30
Luscious, with all the gorgeous raspberry and berry flavors you could want. Shows lovely, rich, ripe fruit. Perhaps the best ever at this underrated property. A superb value. Best after 1996. 25,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
23 Coste-Caumartin Pommard Les Boucherottes 1990 95 $37
Ripe but focused, this has a massive structure yet manages to remain elegant. A wine to put away for decades. From an exclusive vineyard owned only by Coste-Caumartin. Drinkable 1997 to 2000. 650 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy
24 Château Beychevelle St.-Julien 1989 95 $39
One of the best ever produced from this estate. Intense ripe cherry aromas and flavors come through in this St.-Julien that's big and alcholic, with full silky tannins. Built more like Port than wine. Best after 1998. 25,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
25 Château Calon-Ségur St.-Estèphe 1989 95 $41
What a surprise. Big and powerful, but very elegant at the same time, with lots of spice, juniper, vanilla and berry flavors and a super tannin structure. Best after 1998. 21,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
26 Château Montrose St.-Estèphe 1989 95 $47
A beast that's reverting to its old style. Giant in structure, ripping your palate apart with jammy tar and plump, overripe fruit flavors and masses of tannins. One of the most concentrated Bordeaux we have tasted in recent memory. Really needs time. Best after 1997. 22,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
27 Kendall-Jackson Cardinale Meritage California 1987 95 $44
Rich, ripe and concentrated, bursting with plum, blueberry and currant aromas and flavors laced with spicy, chocolaty oak that echoes vanilla and cinnamon on the long finish. Keeps pumping out the flavor for minutes on end. A really classy mouthful; should develop and soften. Best from 1997 through 2000. 1,900 cases made. – Country: Region: California Other California
28 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle 1990 95 $60
Bold, ripe and powerful, with a solid, rich core of mineral, currant, plum and cedar flavors that are remarkably complex, smooth and polished, with fine but firm tannins. Elegant, refined and tasty to drink now, but sure to age. 9,400 cases made. – Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
29 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Martha's Vineyard 1987 95 $65
Deep, dense, dark and dangerous, this is a powerful wine, with distinctive flavors of currant, mint, eucalyptus and more, cascading and deepening with each sip. Turns gamy and chocolaty on the finish, suggesting this will be a polished, elegant wine by the time it reaches it peak. Best after 1997. 4,740 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
30 Mader Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Rosacker 1990 94 $22
Offers great depth and complexity. Has enticing coconut, honey, apple and spice aromas. Medium-bodied and dry, with super-ripe apple and coconut flavors and an intensely rich finish. Drinkable now. – Country: Region: France Alsace
31 Château d'Armailhac Pauillac 1989 94 $26
Hard as a rock right now. This is tough, with tons of tannins holding down whatever is underneath, which appears to be rich fruit. Needs time; try after 1998. 18,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
32 Château Langoa Barton St.-Julien 1989 94 $25
Has an extremely impressive, velvety mouth-feel, with rich chocolate, berry and cedar aromas and flavors and a long, almost sweet finish. Try after 1997. 7,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
33 Pierre Sparr Tokay Pinot Gris Alsace Cuvée Réserve 1990 92 $11
An excellent Tokay Pinot Gris; like a great white Burgundy. Rich, yet delicate and refined. Full-bodied and dry, with vanilla ice cream and fruit aromas. Overflowing with tropical fruit, vanilla, almond and cream flavors and a smoky finish that goes on and on. Drinkable now. – Country: Region: France Alsace
34 Contino Rioja Reserva 1982 92 $12
Enticing aromas of black coffee and dark chocolate lead to a full-bodied, well-integrated palate that's rich with ripe plum flavor and silky tannins. A benchmark for the vintage. – Country: Region: Spain Spain
35 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 1990 93 $20
Just delicious; a lovely layering of currant, berry, vanilla and cocoa butter aromas and flavors, all resting on a silky texture that spins out the flavors on a long finish. A seductive wine to drink now through 1996. 501 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
36 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate Reserve 1989 93 $25
Seductive, ripe, round and generous, with a nice tension between the plump core of plum, black cherry and currant flavors and the lavish overlay of spicy, toasty oak notes. It's all smoothly integrated with soft tannins and offers plenty of flavor on the finish. Best after 1996. 3,015 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
37 Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Durell Vineyard Sand Hill 1990 93 $28
Rich, dense and young, with toasty, buttery notes over tight fruit flavors that will need a few years to develop fully. Creamy, peachy, pearlike and intense, but still a bit raw from oak; drinkable now. 2,470 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
38 Bouchard Père & Fils Pommard Premier Cru 1990 94 $39
For being a blend of vineyards, this is unbelievable. Ripe, rich and firm, showing terrific breeding, with lovely, elegant, focused red berry flavors and superfine tannins. Drinkable now. – Country: Region: France Burgundy
39 Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet Les Grandes Ruchottes 1990 94 $49
Rich, creamy and concentrated around a racy core of zingy, lemony acidity, packing in ripe pear, peach and honey aromas and flavors and hinting at hazelnut on the long finish. Jams in so much flavor it needs at least until 1997 to sort everything out, although it should be delicious anytime. 55 cases made. – Country: Region:
France Burgundy
40 Bouchard Père & Fils Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvée Carnot 1989 94 $52
Has a fantastic concoction of rich, focused Pinot Noir flavors that takes on a racy edge. Ultra-fine tannins, smooth-textured and polished but the fruit is deep, complex and persistent. An outstanding wine from a highly-rated year. Should get even better if aged. Best after 1995. 1,500 cases made. – Country: Region:
France Burgundy
41 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Special Selection 1988 94 $60
Not quite the glorious wine of previous vintages, but has layer after layer of flavors, with plum, prune and black cherry and hints of spicy vanilla and chocolate. Shows remarkable clarity and a supple texture that should get silkier and smoother with age. Drinkable now, but should improve through 1997 to 2000. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
42 Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1983 95 $97
Has oodles of Champagne complexity in a creamy, smooth package. Rich, toasty, creamy and elegant, with delicious nutty flavors that linger on the finish. Enormously concentrated; shows the full benefit of long-term aging on the yeast. – Country: Region: France Champagne
43 Étienne Sauzet Bâtard-Montrachet 1990 95 $188
Rich, ripe and redolent of butterscotch and pear, showing plenty of breadth and depth plus enough restraint to qualify as as elegant. Drink now. 75 cases made. – Country: Region: France Burgundy
44 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1989 92 $16
Beautifully crafted, elegantly balanced and remarkably focused and flavorful, with a brilliant beam of spicy currant, plum and blackberry flavors, smoothly integrated tannins and sneaky acidity that keeps the flavors coming on the long finish. Best after 1995. 2,209 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
45 Ravenswood Zinfandel Napa Valley Dickerson 1990 92 $16
A delicious young Zin that is ripe, rich tannic and tasty, with tiers of fresh berry, raspberry and cherry flavors that zoom across the palate. Fresh and lively. A mouth-watering wine that drinks well now, but can hold. Drink now through 1997. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
46 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga Riserva 1988 92 $17
Another winner from this estate. Made in a New World style, with lots of new wood, showing toasted coconut, milk chocolate and fruit aromas and flavors. Round and velvety, with lots of cedar notes on the finish. Drink now. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
47 San Felice Chianti Classico Poggio Rosso Riserva 1988 92 $18
A wine in near perfect harmony and balance. Deeply colored, with lovely berry, violet and fruit aromas and flavors and a soft, caressing finish. A superb wine that's wonderful to drink now or hold. – Country: Region:
Italy Tuscany
48 Kunde Estate Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Reserve 1990 92 $19
Intensely rich and fruity, with smoky, buttery oak shadings that add complexity and depth to the ripe pear, spice and apple flavors. Sharply focused, long and lingering on the finish. A real beauty. Drink now through 1994. 2,900 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
49 Sullivan Merlot Napa Valley 1989 92 $20
Bold, rich and fruity, with ripe, concentrated plum, currant and raspberry flavors that run deep. Has subtle oak shadings on the finish and well-integrated tannins that are present but not overbearing. Beautifully crafted but needs until 1995. 800 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
50 Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 1990 91 $9
A real zinger, combining great value and outstanding quality. Crisp and lively, with a creamy richness that lifts it out of the ordinary. Citrus, floral and pear aromas and flavors slip in and out of the spotlight, and it remains refreshing through the long finish. Drink now. 11,700 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington
51 Bodegas Martinez Bujanda Rioja Conde de Valdemar Reserva 1985 91 $9
Very appealing, perfumed and pretty, with bright, exuberant blackberry and boysenberry flavors on a bed of violets and vanilla. Has good concentration. Drink now. – Country: Region: Spain Spain
52 Château Bouscaut Pessac-Léognan 1989 93 $22
The fruit jumps out of the glass, with masses of cassis, berry and earth aromas and flavors and a bounty of velvety tannins to back them up. Try after 1997. 15,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
53 Château Meyney St.-Estèphe 1989 93 $22
This beautifully balanced Bordeaux has rich berry, plum and spice flavors and silky tannins on the finish. Try after 1996. 25,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
54 Arrowood Chardonnay Sonoma County Réserve Spéciale 1990 92 $45
Starts slow, with tightly wound pear, vanilla and spice flavors, but gains velocity and depth, picking up pretty nutmeg and spice flavors on the finish. A well-crafted wine that shows richness, depth and complexity. Tight and youthful; drinkable now, or cellar through 1995. 250 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
55 Flora Springs Chardonnay Napa Valley Barrel Fermented 1990 92 $24
Smooth, ripe and generous, with rich, complex, polished pear, spice, hazelnut and honey notes. The fruit zooms across the palate. A stylish wine that's delicious; drinkable now. 6,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
56 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1989 92 $27
Bold, ripe and intense, with layers of plum, cedar, spice, anise and currant flavors that are rich, deep and concentrated. Has firm but polished tannins and a long, lingering aftertaste that keeps repeating the fruit themes. 1,600 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington
57 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Napa Valley Reserve 1990 92 $30
Powerful and complete, with depth, complexity and great balance. The black cherry and currant flavors are focused, and a kiss of sweet oak lasts through the long finish. For all its flavor, it remains light on its feet. Drinkable now. 2,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
58 Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Vintage Selection 1986 92 $28
Rich and lively, with ripe black cherry, pepper, currant and spice flavors that are complex and concentrated, almost opulent. Is at a nice phase, but the tannins are still firm and compact. Finishes with pretty fruit flavors. Drink after 1995. 2,950 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
59 Rochioli Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Reserve 1990 92 $30
Deep, dark and complex, with a pretty, concentrated core of currant, cherry, spice and oak flavors. Crisp and lively, finishing with a delicate aftertaste that echoes fruit and oak. Has wonderful balance and depth. Drink now. 154 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
60 Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Gran Reserva 1975 93 $0
A gorgeous wine, brimming with plum, cedar and licorice flavors and young, fresh fruit braced by firm, spicy tannins. Perfectly proportioned, with plenty of time ahead. Drinkable now. – Country: Region: Spain Spain
61 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Artist Series 1989 93 $36
Lean, tight, firm, rich and deeply flavored, packed with spicy currant, plum and cherry flavors framed by spicy, buttery oak notes. While it's firmly tannic now, there's a smoothness to the texture that's a good sign, but it's much too young to drink now 2,700 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
62 Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Turckheim Brand 1990 93 $35
An electrifying wine, with super-charged flavors. Smooth and superb, with great acidity and ripe fruit flavors. Drink now. – Country: Region: France Alsace
63 Hugel Tokay Pinot Gris Alsace Jubilée Réserve Personnelle 1990 92 $30
An exotic style of wine, with the power of a top white Burgundy. Concentrated aromas of tangerine and coconut; full-bodied and dry, with super-rich fruit flavors and a long, balanced finish of acidity. Very harmonious. Drink now. – Country: Region: France Alsace
64 Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta Rioja White Reserva 1986 92 $20
Maturing, but still monumental, this is rich with honey, vanilla, pear and melon flavors and still has a long life ahead of it. – Country: Region: Spain Spain
65 Freemark Abbey Johannisberg Riesling Napa Valley Edelwein Gold 1991 92 $25
One of the most collectible sweet wines from California. Ripe, buttery, rich and sweet, with all kinds of spice, honey and butter notes gracing the core of sweet pineapple, fig and pear flavors. Tempting to drink now, but could improve through 1996. 2,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
66 Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu 1990 88 $28
Pulls out all the stops. Ripe, buttery aromas and rich butterscotch flavors add up to a lush, soft wine that makes a bold style statement. Honey and peach notes lie beneath the overlay of oak aging. – Country: Region: New Zealand New Zealand
67 Blanc de Lynch-Bages Bordeaux White 1990 92 $29
A new white wine from the famous Pauillac estate. Flavorful, soft and generous, with herbal, earthy aromas turning toward spice and vanilla on the palate. Plush and strongly oak-accented, with solid pear and cream flavors at the center. Drink now. 2,400 cases made. – Country: Region: France Bordeaux
68 Louis Jadot Vosne-Romanée 1990 92 $30
Displays stunning balance in a village wine, with alluring violet, berry and chocolate flavors, fine tannins and a long, delicious finish. Drinkable now. – Country: Region: France Burgundy
69 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel Paso Robles Westside 1990 91 $12
Ripe and bold, with generous blackberry, plum and slightly pruny, spicy aromas and flavors that seem to jump out of the glass. Supple and bursting with character. Drink now through 1996. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California South Coast
70 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga 1990 91 $12
A blockbuster, with masses of plum, tar and berry aromas and flavors. Coats your palate with fruit and tannins. Drink now. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
71 White Oak Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Saunders Vineyard 1990 91 $13
Ripe and inviting, a firm-backboned, creamy-textured, oak-scented masterpiece, offering opulent raspberry, cherry, vanilla and spice flavors and nice hints of pepper and butter on the long finish. Drink now. 150 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
72 Mietz Merlot Sonoma County 1989 91 $14
A beautifully harmonious wine, with intense fruit flavors that blend seamlessly with accents of spicy oak. Velvety in texture, moderately tannic and long on the finish. The cherry and plum flavors have finesse. Drinkable now but should continue to develop through 1997. 400 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
73 Benziger Chardonnay Carneros Premiere Vineyard 1989 91 $14
Lots of flavor and a delicate texture add up to a wine with finesse and elegance. Floral, pear and hazelnut aromas and flavors are immediately attractive, with richness to burn. Spicy fruit notes emerge on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Carneros
74 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Puente Alto Vineyard Don Melchor Private Reserve 1988 91 $14
Powerful and intense, pouring on the spice, with smoke, tobacco and cedar aromas backed by rich, ripe plum, prune and pepper flavors. A real mouthful, graced with chocolate and spice notes. Full-bodied and long on the finish. Perhaps Chile's best red wine. Drink now through 1995. 4,000 cases imported. – Country: Region: Chile Maipo
75 Burgess Chardonnay Napa Valley Triere Vineyard 1990 91 $15
A very exotic wine that emphasizes the nutmeg and vanilla flavors of oak aging and backs it up with buttery pear accents. Soft and delicate in texture, but full in flavor, with complexities that develop on the finish. 16,500 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
76 Shafer Merlot Napa Valley 1990 91 $18
Full, rich and generous, with complex currant, chocolate and herb aromas and flavors shaded by sweet oak. A lively wine, with deep flavors and pretty spice notes on the finish. The tannins are present but not intrusive. Drinkable now. 6,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
77 Hardys Chardonnay South Australia Eileen Hardy 1989 91 $19
A ripe, buttery wine that's deeply colored and deeply flavorful. The solid core of pineapple and pear flavor is shaded by hints of nutmeg, caramel and vanilla notes. A broad style that already shows finesse. Drink now. 3,500 cases made. – Country: Region: Australia Australia
78 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley 1989 91 $15
Firm, focused and flavorful, offering distinctive spice and mint-tinged Cabernet characteristics, lots of currant and plum flavors and more richness, depth and concentration than most '89s. Oak seasoning adds a nice dimension, and the tannins are sufficient to warrant cellaring through 1995 to '98. 23,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
79 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Northern Sonoma Alexander's Crown Vineyard 1988 91 $18
Smooth and generous, with layers of ripe currant, blackberry and buttery oak flavors. Finishes with a sense of polish and elegance. Almost drinkable now, and has the intensity to improve through 1997 to 2000. 6,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
80 Chalk Hill Sémillon Chalk Hill Late Harvest 1986 91 $10
Would give most Sauternes a run for their money. The salty, nutty, tobaccolike aromas and rich, ripe flavors are full and satisfying. Sweet, unctuous and long on the finish. Mature now and ready to drink. 2,262 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sonoma
81 Cape Mentelle Chardonnay Margaret River 1990 91 $20
Crisp and focused, with sharply defined peach, pear and spice aromas and flavors, hinting at toast and butter on the long finish. The structure is tight, suggesting this will improve with cellaring. Drink now through 1995. 21,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Australia Australia
82 Tualatin Chardonnay Willamette Valley Barrel Selected Private Reserve 1989 91 $20
Crisp at the center, but nicely rounded and polished around the edges, featuring toasty hazelnut, pear and honey aromas and flavors that extend into a long finish. Reminiscent of a good Puligny-Montrachet. Has style and grace. 700 cases made. – Country: Region: Oregon Oregon
83 Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Ribera del Duero Pesquera Crianza 1989 91 $20
Firm and fleshy, with generous currant, berry and plum flavors shaded by toasty oak and a nice streak of earthy gaminess that gives it a unique and appealing character. Has style and intensity, plus enough tannin to wait until 1996 to '99 in the cellar. 15,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Spain Spain
84 Aldo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Conca Tre Pile 1989 91 $21
Tart, flavorful and spicy, with a generous, focused beam of juicy berry and currant flavors and a touch of oak on the finish, ending up smooth and balanced. Drinkable now. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
85 Maculan Cabernet Breganze Fratta 1990 92 $39
Rich, balanced and deep, with great harmony. At this stage you taste a lot of new oak, but the generous vanilla, violet and toast notes complement the rich plum and black currant flavors. Best after 1995. – Country: Region: Italy Veneto
86 René & Vincent Dauvissat Chablis Les Preuses 1990 92 $40
Bold and intense, with rich, lively pear, peach, honey and citrus flavors that are fresh and lively. Complex and concentrated, showing a burst of fruit on the finish. Drinkable now. 1,000 cases made. – Country: Region:
France Burgundy
87 Henschke Shiraz Keyneton Hill of Grace 1987 91 $27
One of Australia's finest red wines. Extremely ripe in flavor and plush in texture, with a great combination of fruit, spice, chocolate and tobacco. Complex, intense and satisfying, showing enough oak. Resembles a Côte-Rôtie. Tempting to drink now, but s 2,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Australia Australia
88 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Selezione del Trentennio '30' 1988 91 $28
Intense and concentrated, with sharply focused cherry, raspberry, anise and rose petal flavors that are deep and complex. The tannins and acidity taste raw. Very tightly wound. Cellar until 1999 for best results. 2,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
89 M. Chapoutier Hermitage La Sizeranne 1990 91 $28
Ripe, rich and complex, with deep currant, earth, oak and spice flavors that are finely woven together. The tannins are firm and rugged and clamp down on the finish. Best after 1997. 8,500 cases made. – Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
90 Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Brut Premier NV 91 $38
Creamy, elegant and stylish, offering complex layers of pear, spice, honey and vanilla flavors that are smooth and polished, finishing with a long, complex aftertaste. Subtle and refined; a treat to drink. – Country: Region: France Champagne
91 Joseph Drouhin Meursault 1990 91 $32
Crisp and clean, with sharply focused pear, citrus, hazelnut and apple flavors that turn smooth, complex and creamy on the finish. Has delicacy and character. Drinkable now. 2,000 cases made. – Country: Region:
France Burgundy
92 Boeger Zinfandel El Dorado Walker Vineyard 1990 90 $10
Round and ripe, with a fine line of sweet currant and plum aromas and flavors running through it from the first sip to the long finish. Beautifully crafted fruit flavors are immediately appealing, and the texture is plush and smooth. A real winner. Taste 750 cases made. – Country: Region: California Sierra Foothills
93 Joseph Phelps Gewürztraminer California 1991 90 $11
An intensely flavorful, full-bodied, Alsatian-style wine, with layers of heady fruit, spice and mineral flavors that linger on the long finish. Dry in sugar, but rich in fruit and body, this is smooth in texture and very distinctive. 1,600 cases made. – Country: Region: California Other California
94 Fattoria Le Bocce Chianti Classico 1990 90 $11
A classy, finely crafted wine, offering lovely raspberry, berry and leaf aromas and flavors and a long, silky finish. Drink now. From Farina Stefano. 25,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
95 Viticcio Chianti Classico 1990 90 $11
Extremely focused, with multidimensional fruit and earth aromas and flavors and a lovely, silky mouth-feel. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
96 Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Napa Valley 1990 90 $12
A very concentrated, classic Sauvignon Blanc, with intense, crisp fruit and herb flavors that linger a long time on the finish. Has great balance and depth. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. – Country: Region: California Napa
97 Murphy-Goode Fumé Blanc Barrell-Fermented Reserve Alexander Valley 1990 90 $13
Stands out from the pack. A rich-tasting, rich-textured Fumé Blanc, with butter and vanilla overtones to the citrus and pear flavors. Has depth, elegance and a long finish. 24,000 cases made. – Country: Region:
California Sonoma
98 Columbia Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1989 90 $12
Firm and focused, with a nice balance of ripe plum, currant and berry flavors against spicy, toasty notes on the long, concentrated finish. Has the intensity and harmony to develop nicely through 1995 to '97. Reasonably priced, too. 11,000 cases made. – Country: Region: Washington Washington
99 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 1990 90 $16
Shows uncommon balance, proportion and finesse, offering lovely currant, cherry, chocolate and smoky oak flavors that are complex and luscious. The finish is long and complex, with soft but firm tannins. Tasty now, but can age through 1998. 8,000 cases made. – Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
100 Sanford Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 1990 90 $17
Source: http://vinhosemaisvinhos.blogspot.com/2010/08/top-100-wine-spectator-1992.html
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