Chateau Haut-Brion 1986

Chateau Haut-Brion 1986

A tannic wine, very much characteristic of the Graves. A hint of caramel and of burnt. A very good wine. Will age slowly.

Critical Acclaim

93 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Tasted at the château, the 1986 Haut Brion is a vintage that I had not tasted for some time. It is a blend of 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon according to the chateau’s records. Mirroring the 1996 La Mission, this vintage Haut-Brion occupies a higher quality level, with more complexity and vivacity on the nose: dusky black fruit, warm gravel, terracotta and cigar humidor. Lovely! The palate is very well balanced, maybe a little rustic compared to recent vintages, yet with a firm body and grip. It’s the kind of gruff, almost surly, broad-shouldered 1986s that might be a little curmudgeonly compared to 1985 or 1989, however, after 30 years you are compensated with plenty of freshness and focus. I don’t think it ranks up there with the best of the first growth … that would come in other vintages, but it still provides plenty of drinking pleasure for those who love their classic claret with a capital “C.”