1990 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations:
Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 1990 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 1990 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
The 1990 vintage was overall brilliant, even legendary in places. Almost every region produced wines of fantastic quality, with very few regions suffering. There will also be a wide range of wines from Burgundy and Rhône that will have developed complexity, particularly from the top estates. Barolo was superb and will be making some spectacular drinking from now to the next few years. The sweet wines of Sauternes will easily still be holding their own and are likely to keep on going for some time. Any of these wines would make a fabulous 35 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
This Year in History: Fun Fact: A Mars bar would have cost you 27p, a litre of unleaded petrol would have cost just 40.2p per litre and the average price of a pint of milk was 30p.
Eurovision Winner: Italy with the song "Insieme: 1992" by Toto Cutugno
Top Grossing Movie: Ghost
Bordeaux: 1990 Wine Vintage was the third year in a row of excellent Bordeaux vintages. The hot, dry sunny year ensured that, like many of the great vintages, 1990 produced rich wines from across the Bordeaux region. Many of the red wines from this vintage have a roasted or baked quality derived from the hot sun ripening the grapes. The vintage is characterised by having a tannic quality coupled with low acidity. Most of the quality wines from this vintage are still at the peak of their maturity, making them great wine gifts.
Italian: 1990 was a spectacular vintage for Italy, one of the best in modern times. Most producers made very good wines at all levels. The wines are drinking well but will continue to develop with good cellaring.
Portugal: The 1990 Port vintage produced abundant quantities of good quality port wine. Generally produced as Single Quintas and outstanding Colheita Port. Paul Symington writes "The Douro 1990 Vintage can be summed up in just four words – production, enormous – quality, excellent. The 1990 Vintage has probably favoured not so much the very early starting quintas, but those whose grapes were picked from the third week of September onwards; however, overall quality promises to be good to excellent." 29 October 1990.
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17 products found.
Palmer Port, 1990
Colheita Port, Douro
50cl Bottle
Exclusive to Vintage Wine and Port
This rare port-wine has been stored in seasoned oak casks since the 1990 harvest until it was bottled in 2021.
Tasting Notes:
The 1990 port from Palmer is light oak in colour with a light edge on the rim. Much elegance on the nose with citrus, walnuts, figs and a touch of dried fruit. On the palate there is a lightness that is balanced by an outstanding fresh acidity and beautifully integrated soft tannins. It is lifted with beautiful notes of dried fruits, citrus. Outstanding perfect balance and finish.
Samuel Palmer, a late ancestor of the Van Zeller family - once owner of Casa de Malladas - was a maverick and a remarkable icon in the trade of high quality Port Wine to England. …
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Price: £69.95
Stock: 38 in Stock
Palmer Port, 1990
Colheita Port, Douro
75cl Bottle
Exclusive to Vintage Wine and Port
1990 Colheita Port
This rare port-wine has been stored in seasoned oak casks since the 1990 harvest until it was bottled this year.
Tasting Notes: The 1990 port from Palmer is light oak in colour with a light edge on the rim. Much elegance on the nose with citrus, walnuts, figs and a touch of dried fruit. On the palate there is a lightness that is balanced by an outstanding fresh acidity and beautifully integrated soft tannins. It is lifted with beautiful notes of dried fruits, citrus. Outstanding perfect balance and finish.
Samuel Palmer, a late ancestor of the Van Zeller family - once owner of Casa de Malladas - was a maverick and a remarkable icon in the trade of high quality Port Wine to England. …
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Price: £89.95
Stock: 32 in Stock
Palmer Port, 1990
Colheita Port, Douro
MAGNUM
Exclusive to Vintage Wine and Port
1990 Colheita Port - Rare Magnum Bottle
This rare port-wine has been stored in seasoned oak casks since the 1990 harvest until bottling in 2022.
Tasting Notes: The 1990 port from Palmer is light oak in colour with a light edge on the rim highlighting a colheita of exceptional age and quality. Much elegance on the nose with citrus, walnuts, figs and a touch of orange blossom. On the palate there is a lightness that is balanced by a good acidity. This port wine delivers a beautiful flavour. Outstanding.
Colheita Port Storage and Serving Advice:
Colheita Port should be stored in a cool and dry place, sheltered from light and temperature fluctuations, and the bottle should remain in an upright position. …
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Price: £129.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac, 1990
Ryst Dupeyron Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac
50cl bottle
Includes original orange colour cardboard gift box
A bottle of Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac from the 1990 vintage is perfect for celebrating personal milestones or commemorating a significant year.
Tasting Notes
Armagnacs from Ryst-Dupeyron are known for their depth and complexity. Expect notes of dried fruits, vanilla, spices, oak, and perhaps hints of caramel or toffee. The extended aging period typically results in a smooth, well-rounded spirit with a long finish.
Serving & Food Pairing
Armagnac is traditionally enjoyed neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its complexity. However, it can be paired with a variety of cheeses like Roquefort, Comté, high quality dark chocolate, caramel-based desserts and roasted or candied nuts. …
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 10 in Stock
Toro Albalá
POLEY Amontillado en rama- 35 Year Old | 50cl Bottle
*** 92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ***
This extremely old wine proceeds from the winery’s foundational Solera, when José María Toro Albalá began to produce wines in Lagar del Carmen, in 1922. The wine is obtained in a subtle and slow way; it’s the time that induces its transformation. After an ageing of 10 years under a veil of flor in American oak butts, the veil begins to weaken and lose its protection, allowing the start of a long oxidative ageing. A unique wine acknowledged with 92 Robert Parker points.
TASTING NOTES
Sight: Amber and, when shaken, it tints the glass with a beautiful range of copper tones.
Aroma: Very intense, spicy and noble woods in still glass, leading to a glaze touch and fine pastry notes. …
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Price: £49.95
Stock: 13 in Stock
Blandys, 1990
Sercial Vintage Madeira
37.5cl Half Bottle In Individual Box
94 Points - Decanter
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
A perfect introduction to aged Madeira, the 1990 Blandy’s Sercial captures the crisp, complex character of one of the island’s finest dry wines. Crafted from Sercial – the driest of Madeira’s noble grapes – this single-vintage release has matured gracefully for over three decades. Ideal for gifting, tasting flights or solo enjoyment, this half bottle offers all the elegance of mature Madeira in a smaller format.
Tasting Notes:
Amber-gold with brilliant clarity, this Madeira opens with aromas of orange zest, toasted almonds, and a touch of sea breeze. Bone-dry on the palate with vibrant acidity, it delivers layered notes of citrus peel, salted nuts, dried herbs and a long, savoury finish. …
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Price: £135.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Blandys, 1990
Sercial Vintage Madeira
75cl Bottle In Individual Box
94 Points - Decanter
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
Step into the world of fine aged Madeira with this 1990 Blandy’s Sercial – a dry, complex, and beautifully matured wine that showcases over 30 years of careful ageing in seasoned oak casks. Perfect for collectors and lovers of savoury wines, this is a timeless Madeira for the Connoisseur. The classic full bottle format offers the ideal balance between drinkability and cellar potential. An exceptional food wine and conversation starter.
Tasting Notes:
Bright amber in colour, with aromas of candied citrus, roasted hazelnuts and spice. The palate is dry, structured and beautifully balanced, offering flavours of citrus peel, saline minerals and a touch of old wood. …
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Price: £245.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Blandys, 1990
Sercial Vintage Madeira
150cl Magnum Bottle In Individual Box
94 Points - Decanter
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
The 1990 Blandy’s Sercial is a bold, dry Madeira perfect for those who value finesse. With over three decades of barrel ageing, this vintage Sercial is poised for further development or enjoyment now on a grand scale.This rare magnum format makes a powerful impression at the table or in the cellar.
Tasting Notes:
Complex and zesty, with lifted aromas of citrus oils, smoke, and aged wood. The palate is bone-dry, racy and layered, with tangy acidity driving long-lasting flavours of spice, nuts and sea salt.
Winemaking:
Carefully crafted by Blandy’s, a family-run Madeira house since 1811, this wine has been aged in seasoned American oak casks using the traditional Canteiro method. …
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Price: £498.00
Stock: 11 in Stock
Blandys, 1990
Sercial Vintage Madeira
300cl Double Magnum Bottle In Individual Box
94 Points - Decanter
PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
Experience aged Madeira like never before with this rare 300cl (Double Magnum) of 1990 Blandy’s Sercial – a show-stopping centrepiece for serious collectors, grand events, or cellar ageing. Exceptionally rare in this large format, it offers all the finesse of dry Madeira with even greater potential for longevity. A collector’s dream and a striking addition to any wine library. Double magnums age exceptionally well and make for unforgettable celebrations or gifts.
Tasting Notes:
Expressive and refined, this Sercial bursts with notes of citrus rind, almond skin, spice and a trace of iodine. …
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Price: £985.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Bonarda, 1990
F.lli Giorgi
Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £65 | Now £49
Red cherry red with ruby highlights. Fine and intense nose, with floral and fruity scents. The flavour is dry, fine and fruity with high acidity and a slight almond aftertaste.
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Price: £49.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Carruades de Chateau Lafite, 1990
Pauillac
Carruades is the second label wine produced by Chateau Lafite-Rothschild.
After fermentation and maceration, the wines are tasted, selected and put together according to their different qualities. This step is very important because this is where we make the difference between the great "Lafite" and the second wine "Carruades de Lafite". The wines are drained off into oak barrels. We use 100% new barrels for the ageing of Lafite. The year after, these same barrels will be used for the Carruades.
Carruades de Château Lafite is the celebrated second wine of the iconic Château Lafite Rothschild, situated in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. …
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Price: £375.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau La Tour Blanche, 1990
Sauternes- Half bottle
The 1990 la Tour Blanche is a beautiful sweet wine from The Sauternes region of Bordeaux. 1990 highly regarded and is considered one of the classic vintages from this estate. It is known for its richness, complexity, and excellent aging potential. It is a wonderful experience to enjoy it now, although it has years of life left in it. Make sure to serve it slightly chilled, around 12-14°C (54-57°F), to fully appreciate its complex flavours and aromas.
Tasting Notes The 1990 la Tour Blanche is medium gold in colour with quite an earthy, savoury nose giving up perfumed notions of orange blossoms and honeysuckle over preserved apricots, apple pie and allspice hints. …
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Price: £44.95
Stock: 15 in Stock
Dolcetto d'Alba, 1990
Dolcetto Clavesana - MAGNUM *** 35 Year Celebration *** Was £99 | Now £75
A native black grape variety of Northern Italy grown almost exclusively in the provinces of Cuneo and Alessandria in Piedmont. It is relatively easy to cultivate, although it is susceptible to fungal diseases. It ripens before Barbera and Nebbiolo and is often grown in high north-facing sites which would be unsuitable for Nebbiolo. The finest Dolcetto wines come from grapes grown on soils rich with white marls, especially those found on the right bank of the River Tauro. The wines generally are low in tannins and acidity and are usually fruity and fragrant, often with hints of almonds.
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Price: £75.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Porta dos Cavaleiros, 1990
Porta dos Cavaleiros, Dao
Caves S. Joao, established in 1920, became a dominant force in Portuguese wine making in the early 20th century with their houses Porta dos Cavaleiros in Dao and Frei Joao in Bairrada. Given the shifting trends in consumer preferences, Bairrada and Dao fell to obscurity in the 1990s when critical influence drove the demand for bigger, extracted, warmer climate wines. As in all things, however, what comes around goes around! Sure enough, 20 years later savvy consumers and food-conscious sommeliers are looking for finesse and freshness and heading back to Bairrada and Dao. Wines that when young had a vegetal character, …
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 114 in Stock
Rubino di Cantavenna, 1990
Giuseppe Sbarato
Very forward nose of leather and cherries, liquorice wild strawberries, ripe plums and pencil .The palate is very nice balance of sweet fruit and acidity.
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Price: £59.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Tokaji, 1990
Tokaji Royal Aszu 5 Puttonyos 1990
(Half litre, 50cl), Hungary
The 1990 Royal Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos is a notable vintage from Hungary's esteemed Tokaj wine region, renowned for its sweet wines made from grapes affected by noble rot. This vintage showcases the region's dedication to quality winemaking, especially following Hungary's political changes in 1989.
Tasting Notes:
Betsek Vineyard: This wine exhibits a bright orange-gold color with a complex nose of smoke, honey, dates, and dried apricots. On the palate, it offers moderate concentration with a sleek aftertaste of mandarins and barley sugar, finishing dry with good length. Birsalmás Vineyard: Described as having rich apricot, …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau d'Yquem, 1990
Sauternes 1er Cru Classe
98 Points - Wine Advocate
A warm to hot vintage ideal for producing outstanding reds does not necessarily make for a great Sauternes vintage, but in the case of 1990 it did. Dry, warm winds in the autumn contributed to the level of concentration that this wine exhibits. Fortunately, a little rain in late September and early October ensured that botrytis flourished well in the end, the final factor necessary to achieve this extraordinary expression.
The 1990 d'Yquem is medium to deep golden colored, the 1990 d'Yquem opens with unabashed opulence, giving expressive notes of dried apricots, toffee, candied walnut, tree bark and sandalwood with nuances of preserved mandarin peel, lemongrass and fallen leaves. …
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Price: £445.00
Stock: Out of Stock