1986 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 97

The 1986 Lafite Rothschild was tasted twice, once from bottle at the chateau and then from imperial at the Academie du Vin dinner. It is an awesome Pauillac that has finally reached its drinking plateau. The nose is so vibrant yet beautifully controlled, black fruit commingling with graphite, cedar and just a touch of juniper. Wonderful delineation, though it needs 15 to 20 minutes to really cohere. The palate is taut and fresh with a keen thread of acidity. It is not a powerful First Growth (Lafite rarely is), but there is astonishing balance to its layers of cedar-infused black fruit. Touches of allspice and pencil shavings emerge towards the sustained finish. Magnificent. [Neal Martin, 31/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2050

Robert Parker 95

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 Medoc making itself felt on the finish. As it approaches its 40th birthday, the 1986 Lafite still needs several hours’ decant to show its best. [William Kelley, 25/12/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046