I bought this more than a decade ago from an auction lot that found its way into the hands of a major Massachusetts wholesaler, and from there to Richard Eccleston at The Burgundy Cellar (no longer in business, alas, although Richard has resurfaced as wine and beer manager at Ferns Country Store in Carlisle). I opened this for Christmas dinner.
This is an astounding wine, and an example of just how great the top vineyards of Burgundy can be in a great vintage.
Bonnes Mares is one of the top Grands Crus in all of Burgundy. Roumier is one of the top producers. 1990 was an astounding vintage. Put the three together and what do you get? A wine that anyone who tastes it will consider to be a monument for the ages.
It has all that top-fight red Burgundy offers: very deep color for pinot noir (brick-red color on the edges betray the wine's 20+ years). A complex, fragrant aroma that leaves you thinking, "why should I drink this? I could just sniff it all day". Rich, complex flavors of all sorts of fruits and roasted nuts. A soft basso ostinato of acidity and tannins to carry everything and to insure it doesn't fall flat. No rough edges anywhere--everything in perfect harmony. A finish that dances for a minute on the palate, and only leaves you wanting more.
Top-notch red Burgundy at its peak. And if you are lucky enough to have any in your cellar, there isn't any rush--choose your moment over the next five years or so.
Triple Curly and an extra woo-woo-woo!
-Paul W.