Aromas of black olive, blackberry and currant. Complex and fascinating. Full-bodied, with soft and velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Pretty and satisfying.--'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective. James Suckling

One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 5/93.

The 1988 Pichon Lalande has a fragrant, woodland, earthy, pinecone-tinged bouquet, a little rustic in style but charming, maybe a little ephemeral compared to other vintages. The palate is well balanced with fine boned tannin, crisp acidity but the fruit seems to have ebbed away in recent years. This just seems to have faded in recent years and I would be tempted to consume this in the near future. Tasted at the château.