1990 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru
By Ponsot
1990 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot, Burgundy, France
In the pantheon of Burgundy's cherished terroirs, the 1990 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru from Ponsot stands as a testament to the harmonious conjunction of time and place. Embarking on a sensory journey with this storied vintage is akin to unearthing a treasured tome of vinicultural lore.
An Oenological Odyssey Worth Investment
The 1990 vintage is one that astute wine investors often reminisce about with a sense of awe. It was a year that provided Burgundy vignerons with a constellation of climatic benevolence. A magnanimous spring delivered an early flowering, succeeded by a summer replete with golden sunlight, tempered by timely rains just ahead of harvest. This serendipitous dance of the elements accented the 1990 Clos St Denis from Ponsot with an opulent structure rarely paralleled.
Plumbing the depths of this Grand Cru reveals layers of intrigue – dark cherries and ripe strawberries are ensconced in a web of silken tannins. Earthy undertones resonate amidst subtle whispers of aged leather and cigar box, testaments to its time spent maturing gracefully in bottle.
The Quintessence of Burgundian Splendor
What distinguishes the 1990 vintage from its counterparts is not merely its balance but the manner in which it articulates the essence of its old vines – those gnarled sentinels of heritage imbued with decades of Clos St Denis' mineral-rich soils. Today, it dances on a tightrope between opulence and elegance, offering an intricate display of tertiary nuances that are delightfully persistent.
Enthusiasts who have diligently monitored Burgundian vintages will recognize in Ponsot’s craft an extraordinary vinous sojourn that captures both intellect and emotion – this is an investment-grade specimen that commands attention and rewards patience.
In fine, one may posit that this wine encapsulates not only the spirit of a remarkable vintage but is also endowed with a character that carries the hallmark of being ONE of the most compelling representations from Ponsot. A judicious addition to any serious collector's assemblage, the 1990 Clos St Denis Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru is poised to endure, evolve, and enchant for decades to come.
Market price (HKD)
HK$386,420.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
2526.88
Scores and tasting notes
Ponsot's terrific 1990s are his finest wines since 1980. The 1990 Clos St.-Denis-Vieilles Vignes and the 1990 Clos de la Roche-Vieilles Vignes are the superstars of this estate. The Clos St.-Denis-Vieilles Vignes reveals less of the animal side of Pinot Noir and more of the black fruit character. The aromas of over-ripeness that are apparent in the Clos de la Roche are not as obvious in the Clos St.-Denis. This wine is densely colored, with a huge perfume of black fruits, herbs, and truffles. Full-bodied and rich, with a viscous, thick texture, and spectacular length, like the Clos de la Roche, this is a red burgundy for drinking over the next 15-20 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Chester, VT.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 25 June 1993