A pair of '90s

Dinner at Brasserie on the Eighth.

1990 Henschke Cyril Henschke - noticeably sweeter on the palate, also fuller-bodied and firmer tannins despite the age.  My preferred wine of the night.

Bought from Farr for GBP 40.

1990 Vieux Château Certan - a little disappointing.  It was very smoky at the beginning.  This dissipated but there just wasn't enough fruit.  It was classic, understated Bordeaux.  Improved a bit after 2-2½ hours, but so typical of many Bordeaux - not interesting enough.

Bought from Remy for HKD 1,420.

1995 Geyser Peak Shiraz Reserve

Dinner at W's Entrecote.

1995 Geyser Peak Shiraz Reserve - decent drinking wine.  Fairly good amount of red fruit.  Medium to full-bodied, tannins OK but still firm.

Bought from Remy for HKD 254.

1997 Clarendon Hills Grenache Kangarilla

Dinner at friend's home in Singapore.

1997 Clarendon Hills Old Vines Grenache Kangarilla Vineyard - Very sweet, fruity nose.  Actually very close to Côte-Rôtie, surprisingly, with floral notes, smoked game meats.  Medium-bodied.  Very nice and drinkable.

Bought from Oaks for SGD 68.

1989 Castillo Ygay

Dinner at Nectar in Singapore.

1989 Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay - still pretty good wine.  Nose ws very fruity and open.  Acidity noticeably higher as expected.  Smooth on the palate.

Bought from Ponti for HKD 289.

1990 Mondavi Cab Reserve

Dinner at a friend's home in Singapore.

1990 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - this is a very good wine!  As expected, nose of leather saddle, game meats, stewed prunes and glycerin.  A bit sharp at times.  Smooth and round tannins, with a medium-long finish.  Very enjoyable.

Bought from Vinum for SGD 179.

1994 Montelena

Dinner at Golden Leaf.

1994 Montelena, from magnum - it was pretty good, consistent performer although not great.  I had hoped for better.

Bought from Remy for HKD 1,290.

1995 Château d'Ampuis

Drinking at home.

1995 Guigal Château d'Ampuis - I was curious to see if the wine is now ready, after my last bottle almost 2 years ago.  It certainly was!  Wow!  The nose was classic Guigal Côte-Rôtie.  Lots of violet, leather, game meats, sweet fruits, animal blood.  Very awesome up to about 2 hours in the decanter.  Very smooth on the palate.  Medium-bodied.  Delicious now but wait till it gets better in 5 years!

Bought from BBR for HKD 575.

1996 Dalla Valle Cab

Drinking at home.

1996 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon - I wanted to see if would show better than the last bottle, and it did.  Nose of iron, minerals, black cherries and lots of sweet red fruit.  Very powerful.  Full-bodied with very firm tannins.  Still needs a few years of aging time.

Bought from FRW for GBP 60.