1986 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
1986 Lafite Rothschild from Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The revered terroir of Château Lafite Rothschild in the esteemed Pauillac appellation bestowed upon the wine world an extraordinary creation with its 1986 Lafite Rothschild. This pivotal vintage, emerging from a year heralded for its propitious climatic conditions, stands among the pinnacles of fine wine investment—a fortunate confluence of nature and nurture.
Sculpting a Masterpiece: The Vintage's Vitality
The narrative of the 1986 vintage at this illustrious estate is one defined by meticulous balance and profound structure. A tale of contrasts, this extraordinary year saw a blend of dry conditions, favorable summer temperatures, and an ideally timed harvest that conspired to craft a wine teeming with robust vitality. The 1986 Lafite Rothschild captures the essence of Pauillac with its deep, complex bouquet and tannins that were once nascent but have matured into a supple embrace with the passage of time.
Investment and Indulgence Intertwined
In an investment landscape often swayed by trends and forecasts, the 1986 Lafite Rothschild stands as a steadfast beacon for collectors and connoisseurs alike. With its superb ageing potential, this vintage remains a profound choice for portfolios, attracting keen interest from discerning investors who prize longevity and legacy in their cellars.
On the palate, layers of cassis, subtle leather, and earthy undertones mingle to create a harmony that is uniquely tied to the year's distinctiveness. At once powerful and poised, it is a testament to the enduring allure that Bordeaux holds in the hearts of wine aficionados worldwide.
The endurance of this wine's appeal lies firmly in its commitment to expressing a specific chapter of Château Lafite Rothschild's history. Savouring the 1986 Lafite Rothshild is akin to witnessing a masterclass in viticultural excellence—as such, it remains one of the emblematic wines that continue to captivate those seeking out storied vintages for investment or pleasure.
In summary, when one seeks to explore the convergence where investment-grade calibre meets refined enjoyment, look no further than the 1986 Lafite Rothschild from Château Lafite Rothschild—a shining exemplar of Bordeaux's vinous virtuosity.
Market price (USD)
$11,520.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
472
Scores and tasting notes
The 1986 possesses outstanding richness, a deep color, medium body, a graceful, harmonious texture, and superb length. The penetrating fragrance of cedar, chestnuts, minerals, and rich fruit is a hallmark of this wine. Powerful, dense, rich, and tannic, as well as medium to full-bodied, with awesome extraction of fruit, this Lafite has immense potential. Patience is required. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030. Last tasted 11/94
Robert Parker Jr - Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition
Tasted at the château, the 1986 Lafite-Rothschild continues to offer an exquisite bouquet at 30 years of age. This is beautifully defined, still full of energy, with copious blackberry, clove, leather and graphite aromas that seem to gain momentum in the glass. The palate is extremely well balanced with a crystalline quality, filigree tannin, perfectly pitched acidity, a quintessential Lafite-Rothschild with a sense of energy and focus undiminished by time. This finish displays immense purity and refinement, one of the most mineral-driven Lafites that I have encountered, whilst the aftertaste seems to linger for over one minute. It must rank as one of the finest wines from the estate. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016
A very deep black/garnet colour. It has a dense, broody, backward nose with blackberry, cedar, kirsch and a touch of ginger, an odd mixture of austerity and funkiness. The palate is extremely concentrated and tannic as one might expect with lots of glycerin on the finish. Evolves some attractive peppermint notes with time with maraschino cherry on the aftertaste although the more I taste this, the last personality I find. More impressive than pleasurable. Drink now-2020+ Tasted November 2006.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2008