1986 Marquis de Terme
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Consistently impressive from its early days, the 1986 exhibits a nearly black color, enormous richness and depth, sensational extract, and an extremely long finish. However, prospective purchasers should be aware that on four occasions I have had bottles that were flawed by a smell of damp cardboard, which, in my opinion, suggests a problem with the corks. The wine is exceptional, and clearly the finest made at this property in decades, but I wonder how much of the production has been affected by whatever is causing the off odor and taste. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 1/91.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Rather heavily oaked and barky, which outplays the ripe currant and cassis flavors, leaving a wood-dominated wine. Drink 1993 to 1996. Wine Spectator, Jun 30, 1989
Consistently impressive from its early days, the 1986 exhibits a nearly black color, enormous richness and depth, sensational extract, and an extremely long finish. However, prospective purchasers should be aware that on four occasions I have had bottles that were flawed by a smell of damp cardboard, which, in my opinion, suggests a problem with the corks. The wine is exceptional, and clearly the finest made at this property in decades, but I wonder how much of the production has been affected by whatever is causing the off odor and taste. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 1/91. Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1
About the producer
This Fourth Growth estate has been owned by the same family (the Sénéclauzes) since 1936. Over the last 25 years, later picking, a higher level of sorting and modern winemaking has fine-tuned the quality.