Wine 1986

Our view on the 1986 vintage

1986 is an exceptional vintage in quality and quantity. For the estates that have been able to delay their harvest from October 09 for Cabernet Sauvignon, this 1986 vintage was particularly great and contributed to the production of wines of extraordinary power and with wonderful aging potential. Quite unbelievable. The 1986 Bordeaux red wines from the north of the Medoc are extremely rich and tannic and will last for many more years. 1986 Lafite Rothschild, 1986 Leoville Las Cases, 1986 Chateau Margaux and 1986 Mouton Rothschild are exceptional and equal legendary vintages such as 1929 wines, 1961 wines or 1982. 1986 White Bordeaux wines are less successful for dry wines, although 1986 Sauternes and 1986 Barsac are excellent. With an extraordinary richness, the sweet wines are perfect and 1986 Climens, 1986 Coutet, 1986 De Fargues or the 1986 Chateau Yquem appear at the top. The Burgundy in 1986 produced red wines of reasonable quality, but the Cote de Nuits was affected by the rains in September (gray mold), and serious sorting was needed to produce good wines. The 1986 Burgundy white wines are of better quality in the Cote de Beaune. 1986 is described as correct in Champagne, and although many houses chose not to vintage it, Krug produced a very large 1986 Clos du Mesnil. Poor 1986 vintage for Rhone wines, and rather good in Loire (Coteaux du Layon wines to be seek). Fine Rieslings in Alsace.