Classification | Cinquième Cru Classé |
Type | Red |
Brand | Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste |
Vintage | 1986 |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux, Pauillac |
Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux Blend |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Bin stained |
Drinkable | -2035 |
Stock | 0 |
The 1986 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has an intriguing nose, much richer and more opulent than I expected (reminiscent of the 1986 Cos d'Estournel that I tasted earlier the same day.) Whereas the 1996 is strict, this 1986 is much more plush but perhaps does not possess the same delineation. The palate leans more towards the red fruit than black with a sharp tang of a black pepper on the entry, good weight in the mouth, nicely focused with firm grip on the tarry, gutsy finish. You could broach this now of course or drink this over the next 20 years. You could argue that it is "uncouth" compared to recent vintages under Xavier Borie, but it is still certainly worth investigating (if you can find it, since there is nary a bottle left in the château bins!). Tasted July 2016.
Rich and cedary with concentrated flavor that's tight. Hints of currant and black cherry complement the ripe Cabernet fruit.
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 17/20 points.