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SKU 1044083
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The 1986 Lafite Rothschild was tasted twice, once from bottle at the château and then from imperial at the Académie du Vin dinner. It is an awesome Pauillac that has finally reached its drinking plateau. The nose is so vibrant yet beautifully controlled, black fruit commingling with graphite, cedar and just a touch of juniper. Wonderful delineation, though it needs 15 to 20 minutes to really cohere. The palate is taut and fresh with a keen thread of acidity. It is not a powerful First Growth (Lafite rarely is), but there is astonishing balance to its layers of cedar-infused black fruit. Touches of allspice and pencil shavings emerge towards the sustained finish. Magnificent.
There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world's finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six 'official' Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act – the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.
France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]
Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]
Pauillac, a prestigious appellation within Bordeaux's Left Bank, stands as a vinous crown jewel renowned for its exceptional red wines. Home to some of the world's most illustrious châteaux, including Lafite Rothschild and Latour, Pauillac is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blends. What makes Pauillac unique is its impeccable terroir, characterized by deep gravel soils and a maritime influence from the Gironde estuary, creating wines of unparalleled power, structure, and longevity.
Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in this environment, contributing to Pauillac's signature style—a harmonious blend of cassis, graphite, and cedar. The region's famed classification system of 1855, which ranked châteaux based on reputation, further highlights Pauillac's commitment to excellence. Exploring Pauillac wines unveils the epitome of Bordeaux winemaking, where tradition, meticulous vineyard management, and the art of blending converge to produce wines that exemplify the grandeur and sophistication of this esteemed appellation.
VM97pts
Vinous Media
The 1986 Lafite Rothschild was tasted twice, once from bottle at the château and then from imperial at the Académie du Vin dinner. It is an awesome Pauillac that has finally reached its drinking plateau. The nose is so vibrant yet beautifully controlled, black fruit commingling with graphite, cedar and just a touch of juniper. Wonderful delineation, though it needs 15 to 20 minutes to really cohere. The palate is taut and fresh with a keen thread of acidity. It is not a powerful First Growth (Lafite rarely is), but there is astonishing balance to its layers of cedar-infused black fruit. Touches of allspice and pencil shavings emerge towards the sustained finish. Magnificent.
WA95pts
Wine Advocate
The 1986 Lafite Rothschild unfurls in the decanter and glass with aromas of earthy blackcurrant fruit mingled with notions of cigar box and red berries. Richer and darker in profile than the 1975 drunk alongside, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and concentrated, displaying a velvety attack and a lively core of fruit, with just a touch of the tannic asperity that often defines this vintage in the Médoc making itself felt on the finish. As it approaches its 40th birthday, the 1986 Lafite still needs several hours' decant to show its best.
