1986 Margaux
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1986 Château Margaux remains somewhat firm and forbidding as it closes in on its 40th birthday. Offering up aromas of cassis, cigar box and toasty new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and structured, with a sweet core of fruit that's framed, and almost overwhelmed, by an abundance of chalky tannin. I actually preferred this wine a decade ago, when its sheer abundance of fruit did a better job of balancing out its structuring elements.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1986 Château Margaux remains somewhat firm and forbidding as it closes in on its 40th birthday. Offering up aromas of cassis, cigar box and toasty new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and structured, with a sweet core of fruit that's framed, and almost overwhelmed, by an abundance of chalky tannin. I actually preferred this wine a decade ago, when its sheer abundance of fruit did a better job of balancing out its structuring elements.
Better on the nose than on the palate with its austere, rustic edge to its tannins, there is a wealth of ripe fruit, but the finish is a bit rough around the edges. This is best for tasters longing for days gone by. Give it air, and, or time.
Looks much younger than the 1988. Deep crimson. A little bit of TCA, alas. Very tough fruit and a bit tough on the end – because of TCA? Lack of flesh. Drying finish. Not a good bottle? Acidity dominates a little but there is lots of dry tannin. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Margaux is one of Bordeaux’s most historic and famous estates. The only classified First Growth in Margaux, it epitomises the appellation’s elegance, while producing wines with fantastic ageing potential.