The year 1990 was extraordinary for wine. Think Krug, Brut, Reims, France 1990 and Barbaresco, Angelo Gaja, Piedmont, Italy 1990 and Dominus, Dominus Estate, Napa Valley, California 1990.

These and other celebrated selections born 20 years ago star in Crystal Cruises’ Vintage Room experiences debuting this month in celebration of Crystal’s own 20th anniversary. Perfectly paired with an exquisite tasting menu of Osetra Caviar served with a crème fraiche cannoli, poached lobster and asparagus salad, fresh fish, Côte de Beouf, and other sweet and savory small plates, the wines of 1990 are widely considered the third and strongest year in a triumvirate of excellent vintages.

All of the 2010 Vintage Room experiences – on every cruise this year – feature 1990 wine dinners for up to 14 guests in the intimate, stylish dining lounges of the same name aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Crystal’s professional, certified sommeliers and imaginative chefs will design each menu to pair perfectly with the rare 1990 wines available during each cruise and the cruising region.

In all, the 20th Anniversary Vintage Room debuts with:

  * Krug, Brut, Reims, France 1990
  * Riesling, Auslese, “Ockfener Bockstein”, Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Mosel, Germany 1990
  * Barbaresco, Angelo Gaja, Piedmont, Italy 1990
  * Dominus, Dominus Estate, Napa Valley, California 1990
  * Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 1990
  * Château Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France 1990

“Like Crystal Cruises, the wines of 1990 are coveted by connoisseurs for their marvelous depth, finesse, perfect balance and great longevity,” says Toni Neumeister, Crystal’s vice president, food & beverage. “The 1990 Vintage Room experiences are a fitting way to celebrate our 20th year and the highly nuanced Crystal experience.”

Based on the rarity and caliber of the wines, each Vintage Room experience is priced at $490 per person. A dedicated sommelier will share the significance of each wine with each pour.

With worldwide itineraries of seven- to 100+ days, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are consistently distinguished as the highest rated ships in the world. For more than a dozen years, Crystal Cruises has been voted the “World’s Best” more than any resort, hotel or cruise line in history.