1986 Lafite.. How is it drinking?????

Have an unopned case of 1986 Lafite. Open and drink? Hold?

Any reviews or tasting notes?

cheers

Hi Scott,

I have not tasted the Lafite 86, but I have had some of the other heavy hitters, and they are still infants.

However, I will also say I am a great believer in trying a wine as it matures to learn about the progression.

Since you have a whole case, I would recommend tasting one now and then every five years or so until you think the wine is at peak.

Once at peak, a great Lafite will usually be on the mark for at least 15-20 years thereafter, so there will never be a rush to drink it all.

If you do open one now, let it breathe as you taste it over a 2-3 hours period. The 1986s are very tannic, but the fruit is a lot more visible and enjoyable than with many 1982 and 1990 wines, so these are surprisingly pleasing wines- even now.

Hope this helps!

Just had one about two months ago. It's about what you'd expect from Lafite in 1986, a great wine, but still very tight. Since you've got a case, why not try one now? Just be sure to decant about 2-4 hours ahead of time.

I love the 86 Lafite, the best Lafite in the last 40yrs IMO. Still tight but tons of fruit and I also would recommend decanting the wine for a few hours, maybe even overnight

Peter

Humble reader of ASC.