1986 Chateau le Gay
By Chateau Le Gay
1986 Chateau le Gay from Chateau Le Gay, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In an era marked by a return to classic wine-making prowess, the 1986 Chateau le Gay from Chateau Le Gay stands proudly among the noble vintages of Bordeaux's Pomerol appellation. The year was characterised by its challenging climate, culminating in wines that required the deftest oenological hand to transcend trials into triumphs.
The Quintessence of 1986: A Connoisseur’s Delight
The essence of this intriguing vintage lies not only in the innate strength and concentration of its character but also in its grace under pressure. With a unique blend sourced from the estate's prime Merlot vines, softened by an elegant whisper of Cabernet Franc, the 1986 vintage delights with a surprising bouquet of rich blackberry, truffle and a hint of cigar box - a mélange that reveals the tertiary aromas only time can bestow.
Investing in Vintage Distinction
As a wine-critic-turned-sage through decades of peregrination across vine-stitched landscapes, I've watched closely as certain vintages have ascended beyond their peers. The narrative arc woven by the 1986 Chateau le Gay elucidates precisely why such distinctions are made. This is a wine with both the backbone and the finesse to age beautifully; and for fine wine investors, this presents an opportunity that blends pleasure with prudence.
The 1986 Chateau le Gay is an exemplar of investment-worthy wine: venerable yet vibrant, with captivating complexity. In its current chapter, one encounters softened tannins that still hold their integrity, providing a structured yet velvety palate. The layers of plum and aged leather entwined with subtle oak nuances result in an opulent yet refined finish – a true hallmark of Pomerol's exceptional terroir.
Every sip is an allusion to the profound depths attainable by patient cellaring. In a world where economic pressures often precipitate premature releases, the evolution of the 1986 Chateau le Gay acts as a testament to time-honoured tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. This vintage is not merely a memento from the archives of Bordeaux viticulture; it is an enduring symbol of investment-minded connoisseurship melded with sheer sensory delight.
Market price (USD)
$2,330.00
12x75cl
Highest score
87
POP score
272.86
Scores and tasting notes
Another vintage for those who have primarily nineteenth century taste, this beefy, rather coarse wine still has a dark garnet color with some lightening at the edge. The wine has a dusty, earthy nose with hints of truffle, licorice, mushroom, and meat. The wine is dense and ruggedly constructed, with medium body and some high tannin in the finish. Again, it is impressive from a structural standpoint, but the tannins will probably be too much for most modern-day palates. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016. Last tasted, 11/02.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002