Latour 1986

Conspicuously mature, even for a 1989 Left Bank with a distinct tawny rim. A rather loose-knit, mature nose with dark chocolate. Capsicum, liquorices and burnt toast. Lacking some lift and vigor (although less prune-scented than previous bottles.) The palate is medium-bodied, very savory as if there is a high percentage of Cabernet Franc. Dried blood. Moderate length, this is just lacking breeding and length and on this showing I would certainly drink this over the next 5-8 years. Tasted December 2006.

Tasted from my cellar, the 1986 has consistently been outstanding, falling short of being sublime. The spicy, peppery bouquet reveals aromas of dried herbs and red currant fruit. Medium-bodied, austere, but youthful, vigorous, and concentrated, this wine still requires 4-5 years of cellaring. It is surpassed in this vintage (which favored the northern Medoc and Cabernet Sauvignon) by its rivals, Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton-Rothschild. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.