1986
1986
1986
Another outstanding vintage, immediately after 1985. But while 1985 was full of charm, 1986 was austere. Seldom has a vintage—until the 2005 and the 2010—been from the start as powerful and concentrated. One would have to go back to the legendary 1961 to find a previous vintage with such richness and such balance.
1986 is an astonishing vintage; its very slow development reminds us, in some ways, of wines from a previous generation. Its tannic structure is very tight-knit and dense, softening only slightly from year to year. The bouquet is starting to open up; however, we feel that it still reveals only a limited part of its enormous potential. On the palate, it is full and rich, though still a little bit firm. Should we drink it now?... A great vintage, but one that seems to belong to another, older era. (February 2025)
Climate
The very fine summer weather was hardly affected by the brief spell of rain around 20th September, which in the end, may have been more beneficial than we first thought. Immediately afterwards, the fine weather came back and stayed with us for the whole of the harvest time, bringing the grapes to superb ripeness. (The picking began 1st October)
Another outstanding vintage, immediately after 1985. But while 1985 was full of charm, 1986 was austere. Seldom has a vintage—until the 2005 and the 2010—been from the start as powerful and concentrated. One would have to go back to the legendary 1961 to find a previous vintage with such richness and such balance.
1986 is an astonishing vintage; its very slow development reminds us, in some ways, of wines from a previous generation. Its tannic structure is very tight-knit and dense, softening only slightly from year to year. The bouquet is starting to open up; however, we feel that it still reveals only a limited part of its enormous potential. On the palate, it is full and rich, though still a little bit firm. Should we drink it now?... A great vintage, but one that seems to belong to another, older era. (February 2025)
Climate
The very fine summer weather was hardly affected by the brief spell of rain around 20th September, which in the end, may have been more beneficial than we first thought. Immediately afterwards, the fine weather came back and stayed with us for the whole of the harvest time, bringing the grapes to superb ripeness. (The picking began 1st October)
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.
Service & tasting
Discover our tips for serving and tasting your wine in the best conditions.