I just bid on and purchased this wine at a charity auction and wondered if this wine is ready to drink and how long to let breath or decant? any TN's out there would be appreciated.
69lafite
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I've only tasted two of the '86 Bordeaux so far- the Gruaud-Larose three years ago and the Margaux 2 years ago. Neither was remotely ready to drink. Unless you bought at least a case of the Lafite, I'd lay it (them) down.
Just one more sip.
Just one more sip.
Hey 86-
In response to this thread and your other one on the Wine Conversation group- you should buy Parker's book- Bordeaux, make sure it's the 3rd edition. It's the most comprehensive review/rating book for bordeaux.
I have not had any 86s, I suspect that the 86 Lafite is not close to ready, but I don't have my book with me now. Maybe Board-O can chime in.
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I spend way too much money and time on wine.
In response to this thread and your other one on the Wine Conversation group- you should buy Parker's book- Bordeaux, make sure it's the 3rd edition. It's the most comprehensive review/rating book for bordeaux.
I have not had any 86s, I suspect that the 86 Lafite is not close to ready, but I don't have my book with me now. Maybe Board-O can chime in.
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I spend way too much money and time on wine.
Just one more sip.
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I spend way too much money and time on wine.
thanks for the advise - where can I find the book? Barnes and Noble or mail order somewhere?
69lafite
69lafite
69lafite,
Most bookstores will probably carry Parker's Bordeaux book - if not, you can get it on Amazon. You might want to check out Michael Broadbent's Vintage Wine too. It's also strong in Bordeaux (not as comprehensive as Parker's book though) but it also has tasting notes on various wines from around the world. Good luck.
Most bookstores will probably carry Parker's Bordeaux book - if not, you can get it on Amazon. You might want to check out Michael Broadbent's Vintage Wine too. It's also strong in Bordeaux (not as comprehensive as Parker's book though) but it also has tasting notes on various wines from around the world. Good luck.
69Lafite,
If you look on Amazon they definitely have it. They also sometimes have used versions. Make sure it's the 3rd edition. It goes until 1997. For wines after that you can pick up his 6th edition wine buyers' guide.
I'm not saying he's the only authority, he just takes the best notes (present company excepted)
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I spend way too much money and time on wine.
If you look on Amazon they definitely have it. They also sometimes have used versions. Make sure it's the 3rd edition. It goes until 1997. For wines after that you can pick up his 6th edition wine buyers' guide.
I'm not saying he's the only authority, he just takes the best notes (present company excepted)
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I spend way too much money and time on wine.
Out of Parker's 3rd edition Bordeaux, he says, "The prodidgious 1986 posseses outstnding richness, a deep color, medium body, a graceful, harmonious texture, and superb length. The penetrating fragrance of cedar, chestuts, minerals, and rich fruit is a hallmark of this wine. Powerful, dense, rich, and tannic, as will as medium to full bodied, with awesome extraction of fruit, this Lafite has immense potential. Patience is still required. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030. Last tasted 4/96. 100 Pts.
Good luck, and nice buy!!!!
Good luck, and nice buy!!!!
The Bordeaux book can be purchased at Border's book store.
thanks - I just ordered the book and I think I will try to find another bottle so I can try one in 3 or 4 years and then again in 10 or more.
This is becoming more than a casual hobby, its an addiction !
69lafite
This is becoming more than a casual hobby, its an addiction !
69lafite
69Lafite, I've had the '86 La Mission, Pichon-Baron, and Clerc-Milon in the last two years, none were even close to ready. I can't imagine the Lafite being ready yet, best let the big dog lie...
1986 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Quite oaky on the nose, even showing subtle notes of banana. Powerful and youthful, the wine displays notes of strawberry and red cherries. Quite fruity and ripe but still very well structured and tannic. Drink now or hold 5 to 10 more years. 94
Quite oaky on the nose, even showing subtle notes of banana. Powerful and youthful, the wine displays notes of strawberry and red cherries. Quite fruity and ripe but still very well structured and tannic. Drink now or hold 5 to 10 more years. 94
I had this wine 2 weeks ago along with the '82 lafite. Fabulous wine as described by Daniel, but I think I liked it a bit more and gave it a 96 (all relative of course). Lots of time left on this '86.
Daniel Fulton -- You are tasting a lot of fine wine! I'm envious! 
I have my 1986 Lafite marked for 2011, hoping those oak nose and tannic comments will be gone by then. If not, I'll hold till 2016.
DoktaP --
1982 & 1986 Lafite in the same week! That was an expensive week. How was the 1982 Lafite? I have them marked for opening 2012, and after.
I have my 1986 Lafite marked for 2011, hoping those oak nose and tannic comments will be gone by then. If not, I'll hold till 2016.
DoktaP --
1982 & 1986 Lafite in the same week! That was an expensive week. How was the 1982 Lafite? I have them marked for opening 2012, and after.
bumping this to ask latour67 or any others if you think this is still worth sitting on. I'm having a dinner/wine party tomorrow and was thinking of pulling this or an '83 Margaux. Both were very special gifts and the giver is coming over. Judging by the threads on this and the Margaux, it sounds to me like the Lafite will still improve and the Margaux is very ready to be popped (in fact, perhaps close to fading). Thoughts?
bumping this to ask latour67 or any others if you think this is still worth sitting on. I'm having a dinner/wine party tomorrow and was thinking of pulling this or an '83 Margaux. Both were very special gifts and the giver is coming over. Judging by the threads on this and the Margaux, it sounds to me like the Lafite will still improve and the Margaux is very ready to be popped (in fact, perhaps close to fading). Thoughts?
oops. should have said that i'm asking about the '82 Lafite versus the '83 Margaux.
oops. should have said that i'm asking about the '82 Lafite versus the '83 Margaux.
I'd go with the 1983 Margaux. I don't think it's still improving.
quote:Originally posted by Board-O:
I'd go with the 1983 Margaux. I don't think it's still improving.
Board-O -- the last 1983 Margaux I tasted was not only not improving, it was starting to fade.
Perhaps it was just that one bottle, I don't know, but I would surely go with the 1983 Margaux.
notawinebrat -- Enjoy the 1983 Chateau Margaux, and don't open either of those 100 point WA bottles of Lafite Rothschild! I had planned to open the 1982 Lafite in 2012, but that bottle is now selling for $2500.00, and who knows what it will be selling for in 2012?
Also, the 1986 is a tannic vintage and although you could double decant, for me anyway, it would be a waste to open that bottle till 2011, or most likely 2016. However, the 1986 Lafite is now selling for $1500.00, and by 2011 or after--it would be difficult to open that bottle.---Good Luck!
Thanks Board-O and latour67. We'll let the Lafite collect some more dust.
With a potentially fading Margaux, any suggestions on serving? I stood it upright last night. I'm thinking I should not open it ahead of time and if it needs some air, we'll just enjoy the wait. I'm betting there wont be much of a wait....
With a potentially fading Margaux, any suggestions on serving? I stood it upright last night. I'm thinking I should not open it ahead of time and if it needs some air, we'll just enjoy the wait. I'm betting there wont be much of a wait....
That 83 Margaux should be quite a treat. I've heard very good things about it.
Open it 2-4 hours in advance and pour a little taste for yourself. If it is tannic, decant it. If not, recork and wait. The small amount of air/surface in the top of the bottle won't affect the wine in 2-4 hours.
Open it 2-4 hours in advance and pour a little taste for yourself. If it is tannic, decant it. If not, recork and wait. The small amount of air/surface in the top of the bottle won't affect the wine in 2-4 hours.
A group of us enjoyed a 1983 Margaux a few weeks ago. This bottle showed very well immediately upon decanting, and held up wonderfully for hours. The nose on this wine was something I can still imagine. Heavenly.
PH
PH
Ok...now I'm all excited...
Perfect cork, decanted for one hour. Medium ruby, no browning, a nice surprise, this wine is finally approachable and in fact very enjoyable to drink now. Cedar and lead pencil in the nose. Very elegant. Black cherriesin the background. 94 points. This wine will hold for many years. This is fine wine but I do prefer the Leoville las Cases from the 1986 vintage.