Although the 1989 Bon Pasteur did not jump off retailers' shelves, I have had it frequently, and the wine consistently scores in the 89-90 point category. The nose offers up an interesting concoction of seaweed, salty ocean breezes, smoke, and sweet chocolate-covered cherry candy. There remains a firm, tannic edge to this medium to full-bodied wine, but it is developing considerable complexity, as well as additional richness and weight. This excellent 1989 should continue to drink well for 10-12 years.

This wine has reached full maturity very quickly. The wine shows some amber at the edge, with a sweet nose of roasted coffee intermixed with caramel, mocha, black cherry, and tobacco. The wine is medium-bodied, beautifully sweet and fleshy on the attack, but then narrows out ever so slightly in the mouth. There remains some tannin to be resolved. Anticipated maturity: Now-2014.Last tasted, 12/02.