1986 Lynch Bages
By Chateau Lynch Bages
The 1986 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Bordeaux's venerable offerings, the 1986 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages is often considered one of the most astutely curated essences of Pauillac. This year bore one of the more exceptional harvests in memory, with idiosyncratic weather patterns engineering a crop that blossomed into robust and muscular wines. It was a vintage that brought forth the latent capabilities of the Cabernet Sauvignon predominant blend, surpassing expectations and culminating in a wine that is both grandiose and distinguished.
A Vintage That Speaks Volumes
The 1986 vintage was graced by an auspicious early spring which led to beneficial flowering. However, it was the prolonged summer drought followed by ideal September rains that sculpted the grapes into their optimum constitution. These climatic anomalies translated into a grand expression of terroir; the 1986 Lynch Bages boasts a formidable structure infused with rich tannins and a complex palate, brimming with dark fruits interlaced with subtle hints of cedar and spice - undoubtedly, a testament to its extraordinary composition and adept vinification.
Investment Merits of the 1986 Vintage
Fine wine investors laud the 1986 Lynch Bages for its remarkable longevity - a characteristic that has not only sustained its revered status among collectors but also bolstered its investment potential. With each passing year, this vintage continues to evolve, vesting it with an even greater exclusivity. This considered, it comes as no surprise that Chateau Lynch Bages' creation from 1986 remains a prominent contender in the investment arena.
The ultimate allure for wine investors lies within this vintage's ability to provide an arresting sensory experience coupled with resilient value appreciation.
In essence, The 1986 Lynch Bages encapsulates an era-defining chapter of Pauillac magnificence. Its tenacity and flavour profile ensure that it remains one of the most insightful choices for connoisseurs and investors alike, nurturing an air of privilege to those who possess it in their collections.
Market price (GBP)
£1,570.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
112.14
Scores and tasting notes
The 1986 Lynch Bages has a knockout bouquet that wraps its arms around you with all its loveliness: pure black cherries, mint and cedar, even a touch of glycerine still there. Vibrant and youthful. The palate is beautifully balanced, crisp and taut, linear but very precise with a fine bead of acidity. You just fall for the harmony of this Lynch Bages, the intensity of fruit that seems undiminished on the finish. Is it up there with the 1989 and 1990? Maybe not, but it is not far behind. Frankly this Lynch Bages is a 1986 Claret that you cannot own too much of and as I commented to Jean-Michel Cazes tasting alongside me, at 30 years of age it still has more to give. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016
The 1986 is finally emerging from the dormant stage that many of the wines from this vintage (especially the Medocs) have been going through. It is a full-bodied, still backward wine that will appeal to classicists and old line traditionalists given its firm structure and austere tannins. Nevertheless, the color is a healthy deep garnet and the wine exhibits wonderful freshness along with notes of underbrush, damp earth, black currants, cedar and new saddle leather. Well-balanced with good depth, medium to full body, and a tannic (although not excessively so) finish, this may not be the most finesse-styled, elegant Lynch Bages ever produced, but it is an interesting Pauillac that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring. While it may never hit the peaks achieved by great Lynch Bages vintages, it will be one of those rare wines that will last 40+ years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #196 Aug 2011
Ex-cellar bottle tasted blind at the Lynch Bages vertical. Deep garnet colour. This has a lovely nose: much fresher, vibrant black fruits, wild hedgerow, a touch of earth, boysenberry, great definition. The palate is full-bodied, firm, slightly chewy tannins, dense black fruits, a touch of iodine, blackberry, briary, cedar, pine, very well balanced and focused towards its harmonious but grippy, tannic, stout finish. There is undoubtedly a lot of dry extract here. This is finally coming round
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2010