1989 vs. 1990 Bordeaux Vintages ... which is better?

[Roy Hersh]

Which is the better vintage for Bordeaux: 1989 or 1990? If you choose to enter the fracus, please elaborate about your selection.

[Roy Hersh]

Are there no Claret consumers here???

[Claus P]

Are there no Claret consumers here???

Naa, way to expensive, unless you bought 10-15 years ago

[Tom D.]

If you ever want to do a comparative tasting, count me in

Both are favorite vintages of mine since release, as that was around the time I was starting to take a serious interest in wine. I've always tended to prefer the 89's as better values, although there were a couple somewhat affordable right bank wines that were pretty special in 1990 -- Pavie comes to mind immediately. I own very few now, especially at the high end. In my limited recent tastings, many of the medium-priced wines from both vintages are sadly starting to fade a bit.

[Jeff G.]

we can get snobby and ask which sub regions are you talking about?

left bank, right bank?
barsacs?

[Eric Ifune]

Haven't had enough wines from both vintages but amongst those Chateau that I've had both, I'd vote for 1990. The Montrose and Cos d'Estournel are best in 1990. La Lagune and Lagrange are also best in 1990. Amongst the first growths Haut Brion is best in 1989 but Margaux is better in 1990.

[Moses Botbol]

If you ever want to do a comparative tasting, count me in

I sure wish I was in a position to post answer. My favorite of the two vintages is the one being served.

[Roy Hersh]

Personally, I've always sided with 1989, with very few exceptions.