Chateau Raymond Lafon 1986

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "It is hard to believe this wine will eclipse the great 1983, but the differences in the two wines are negligible. I do not believe the 1986 makes quite the impact on the palate that the huge, massive 1983 does, but there is a great deal of botrytis, and a profound, penetrating fragrance of sauteed pineapple, vanillin, toast, and honeyed peaches. In the mouth, the wine is more streamlined than the 1983, but lusciously rich and full bodied, with very good acidity and a creamy, intense finish. It will be interesting to compare the 1983 and 1986 as they evolve. My guess is that the 1986 will age faster. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012. Last tasted, 3/90."

WEINWISSER: "Relativ helles Gelb, leuchtend. Pertinaxtöne im etwas leimigen Bouquet, Sauvignon-Grasnoten, gelbe Paprika, keine richtige Süsse trotz des grossen Jahrgangs. Im Gaumen Puligny-Aromen, mineralisch, parfümiert, jetzt mehr Faszination zeigend als in der Nase, mit einer tänzerischen Leichtigkeit ausgestattet, also eher ein Apéro-Sauternes."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Honey tinted, with notes of vanilla, custard, tropical fruit and caramel. A little light on the palate. This might be at full maturity. I'll finish mine over the next few years."