1986 Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml)

VM96 "The 1986 Haut-Brion, served blind at a private dinner in Bordeaux, comes from an ex-château bottle. I must admit that I spent a few moments marveling at the bouquet. It's intense and Margaux-like, perhaps more like a 1985 in style with precocious red fruit, cedar, kirsch and veins of cassis. It blossoms in the glass, revealing excellent minerality, yet never loses that curious Margaux-inspired allure. The palate has finally mellowed like many 1986s appear to be doing. This Haut-Brion is framed by fine tannins, suppler than previous bottles and maybe more filigree. Beautifully balanced from start to finish, it delivers disarming purity on the finish. Ladies and gentlemen, the 1986 Haut-Brion is ready for business." NM for VM Jan 2023

DR96 "A seductive mix of brambly autumnal fruits, black truffles, graphite and cigar box, this is absolutely ready to drink now and yet will continue to unwind and deliver for decades to come. The tannic structure is still noticeable, even at 32 years old, and it propels the fruit forward to a fresh, minty finish. I tasted this with a lovely group from the Napa Valley Reserve who were on a trip to Bordeaux in October." JA for DR Oct 2018