Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru 1986

Parker: The 1986 Mouton-Rothschild is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 2 October until 16 October. Winemaker Philippe Dhalluin, who was not working at the property back then, told me that the pH was fairly low at 3.54 when it is usually around 3.75, due to the natural tartaric acid in the vines. It has a powerful and intense bouquet as always: exemplary graphite and cedar scents, a touch of black pepper and incense. It seems to unfurl in the glass, like a motor revving its engine. The palate is beautifully balanced with its trademark firm tannic structure, a Mouton-Rothschild with backbone and masculinity. Layers of black fruit intermingling with mint and graphite, a hint of licorice emanating from the Merlot, gently fanning out and my God, it is incredibly long. It is not like the 1985 Mouton-Rothschild that is so fleshy and generous. This is serious, aristocratic Mouton, a true vin de garde and yes, I do think drinkers will have to wait until it reaches its true peak. 100/100 (2016)

Suckling: This is finally coming around with such fine tannins and beautiful fruit after all these years. Full and balanced. Historical. And so long. Stunning. Fresh and bright. 100/100 (2017)

Lobenberg: Einer der unsterblichen Jahrgänge von Mouton. 1982 und 1986 sind eine Legende. 100/100

Falstaff: Kräftiges Karmingranat, breiter Ockerrand, Orangereflexe. In der Nase attraktive dunkle Beerenfrucht, tabakig, Nuancen von Trockenkräutern, etwas Nougat, reife Kirschenfrucht, feine Edelholzwürze. Am Gaumen feste Tannine, Anklänge von Brombeerkonfit und dunklem Nougat, wirkt süß und opulent im Kern, mineralisch, tabakige Nuancen, sehr gute Länge, frisch und anhaltend, salziger Nachhall, hat seinen ersten richtigen Trinkhöhepunkt erreicht, sicheres weiteres Reifepotenzial. 98/100 (2019)