Chateau Palmer 1986

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Purpur, noch rubiner Schimmer, aufhellender Rand. Herrliches Glutamatbouquet, süss, sanft kompottig im Untergrund, ausladend, Chambolle-Wildhasenton, verspielter Waldhimbeerton, immer noch sehr frisch. Im Gaumen mittelgewichtig, saftig, angenehme Tannine, noch nicht ganz ausgereifte Säure, sich in letzter Zeit wunderschön entwickelnd, die «milde 86er-Arroganz» mit einer herrlichen Süsse ausbalancierend. Aus der Magnum genial, andererseits haben wir den gleichen Wein in letzter Zeit schon hart und metallisch aus Normalflaschen degustiert."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Smooth and succulent, with attractive earth, tobacco and cassis aromas and flavors. Despite its intensity and concentration, it never loses its sense of balance and harmony. Drinkable now but better if you can cellar it longer."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1986 Château Palmer might not embrace you like the 1985, and yet it remains a Margaux with pedigree. It offers blackcurrant pastilles, raspberry and cedar on the nose, violets unfurling with time in the glass, guiding the drinker to its appellation of origin. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, as expected, more austere and reserved than the 1985, but with fine backbone and an attractive masculine, tobacco-infused finish that is precise and long. It is not in the same class as the 1989, but it has clearly reached its drinking plateau and should continue there for at least another decade. Tasted May 2015."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Sweeter and more plummy on the nose than the 1985. More cedary but also cassis and dark chocolate/mocha. Seems far more youthful than the 1985. More primary dark fruit. Firmer, fuller and less perfumed but still with a fine freshness. Fine-grained tannins still have some grip though they taste fully ripe. More powerful than the 1985, less scented but more fruit. Grip on the finish is just a little dry."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Better on the nose, with its earthy, tobacco, cigar box, cedar and cherry character, than on the palate, which like many wines from this vintage is on the strict side. This is a wine for consumers that prefer their Bordeaux on the classic side of the style range. The wine was made from a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place from October 2 to October 16."