1986 CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 1986

(12-2016) The 1986 Mouton-Rothschild is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 2 October until 16 October. Winemaker Philippe Dhalluin, who was not working at the property back then, told me that the pH was fairly low at 3.54 when it is usually around 3.75, due to the natural tartaric acid in the vines. It has a powerful and intense bouquet as always: exemplary graphite and cedar scents, a touch of black pepper and incense. It seems to unfurl in the glass, like a motor revving its engine. The palate is beautifully balanced with its trademark firm tannic structure, a Mouton-Rothschild with backbone and masculinity. Layers of black fruit intermingling with mint and graphite, a hint of licorice emanating from the Merlot, gently fanning out and my God, it is incredibly long. It is not like the 1985 Mouton-Rothschild that is so fleshy and generous. This is serious, aristocratic Mouton, a true vin de garde and yes, I do think drinkers will have to wait until it reaches its true peak. Sometimes that's just the way it is.

(06-2001) Ageless, yet balanced. Black color. Mint, mineral, berry and cherry. Full-bodied, chewy and tight. Long, long finish. A great, great wine.

(10-2021) Firm, fiercely tannic, strict, and young, this bottle remains stubbornly adolescent. Incredibly concentrated, powerful, long and intense, this is a modern-day version of the 1928, which took 50-60 years to come around. Younger consumers with patience should take a good look at this. Provided that youth and patience can get along.

(02-2019) Strong crimson garnet, wide ocher edge, orange reflections. Attractive dark berry fruit on the nose, tobacco, nuances of dried herbs, some nougat, ripe cherry fruit, fine precious wood spice. Firm tannins on the palate, hints of blackberry confit and dark nougat, sweet and opulent in the core, mineral, tobacco nuances, very good length, fresh and persistent, salty finish, has reached its first real drinking high point, safe further aging potential.

(07-2016) Strong Bordeaux red, almost no age tones. The nose is simply a spectacle, immensely deep, noble, smoky, dark fruity, blackberries, black currants, dark cherries, wonderful spice, cinnamon, then also eucalyptus, fir resin, it's enormously complex, a drug for the nose, I could sniff for hours . Firm on the palate, youthful, fresh and with very nice fruit at the beginning, dark berries again, sensationally dense, a lot of everything and nothing too much, very good balance, the wine has an impressive structure, strength and body and is at the same time enormously rich in finesse , finely woven tannins support the fruit. The finish is fresh, long-lasting and wonderfully balanced.

(09-2007)