The 1990 Monte Bello is drinking beautifully, and while it can't match the drama of the 1991 or the concentration of the 1992, it's a superb vintage that's long on complexity and character. The wine exhibits complex aromas of cassis, plums, cigar box, wood smoke and subtle grilled meat, framed by savory bass notes of rich soil. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, complete and layered, with rich, fine-grained structuring tannins and firm balancing acids. Exquisitely balanced, the 1992 is less marked by new oak than the 1991, perhaps because it spent a shorter time in barrel. The product of a long, even growing season and an October harvest, it's a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.

The 1990 Monte Bello is also backward, tannic, and rich. Its cassis, mineral, and oak-scented nose offers considerable promise. With medium to full body, crisp acidity, and a long, tight, closed finish, it will require considerable patience.