1986 Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Often seen as the most elegant of the First Growth wines, Chateau Lafite Rothschild has long been considered one of the greatest wines from not only Bordeaux, but from anywhere in the world. Prices too reflect its status as the most collectable wine in Bordeaux, spurred on since 2008 when it ruled the Chinese fine wine market.

While the vineyards are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, each year the proportions vary according to the vintage, normally with Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for 80-90% of the blend.

Recent ex-Chateau release.

Other Reviews....
The 1986 Lafite Rothschild unfurls in the decanter and glass with aromas of earthy blackcurrant fruit mingled with notions of cigar box and red berries. Richer and darker in profile than the 1975 drunk alongside, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and concentrated, displaying a velvety attack and a lively core of fruit, with just a touch of the tannic asperity that often defines this vintage in the Médoc making itself felt on the finish. As it approaches its 40th birthday, the 1986 Lafite still needs several hours' decant to show its best. Drink 2016 - 2046.
95+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (March 2022)

The 1986 Lafite-Rothschild is a great wine although over several recent encounters it is never a convincing "perfect" wine. This mirrors the bottle I tasted at the property in 2016: blackberry and graphite on the nose, gawky at first, but coalescing with time. The palate is well balanced with firm tannins, strong graphite scents unfolding with time, superb energy if not delivering quite the finesse and precision that the very best Lafite-Rothschild will bestow. This is a wine that benefits from long decanting, say five or six hours, though it never quite reaches the ethereal heights that it could have done. Drink 2020-2050.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous (May 2018)

We are in perfectly-aged claret territory here, the most beautiful impression of a wine at its plateau. It's perfectly ready to drink and is still generous, with a long life ahead of it. Its spicy notes, touches of pencil lead and still-concentrated cassis combine with menthol, buttery leather and that classic Médoc saline, mineral-edged flourish - this is the height of well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2018 - 2040.
100 points
Jane Anson - Decanter (May 2018)

For years, no, decades this is been good, but a bit firm and dry. At 35 years of age, the wine is really starting to blossom. On the nose, the cedar, spice tobacco, cigar box, ash, crushed rock and currant character hit it out of the park. But the biggest change is that the wine has moved from firm to elegantly reserved. Residing on the corner of supple and stoic, supple looks like it's going to take the lead, as the tannins are starting to soften, and the naturally elegant profile of Lafite is taking the lead. Give it 5-10 more years and this could really steal the show! 1-2 hours in the decanter, depending on the provenance is all it needs.
98 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider (Dec 2021)