Château Montrose - Saint-Estèphe 1986 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Wine Spectator

95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/1/2006

Wonderful clean berry fruit with currant, light mint and mineral following through to a full, firm palate with long, silky tannins and a mineral, berry and spice aftertaste. Lovely wine. Firm. This is squeaky clean and beautiful. Enjoyable now but better to wait a few years still.--Non-blind Château Montrose vertical. Best after 2007.

TAST

16 / 20

the11/9/2005

Beau millésime mais beaucoup plus simple que les 2003, 2000, 1990 et 1989. Le nez à dominante épicée n’a pas acquis la diversité des années exceptionnelles peut-être en raison d’une sélection moins rigoureuse qu’aujourd’hui et d’une vinification et d’un élevage moins précis. Le corps est plein, même généreux mais le tannin un peu rigi¬de. Un vin droit, classique, à réserver aux connaisseurs, car il n’a pas la volupté ou le charme aromatique immédiat des vins de « plaisir ». Mais il n’a rien d’ennuyeux ou de vulgaire !

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/1/1998

This wine has turned out to be better than I originally thought. Made during a period when Montrose was flirting with a lighter style, the 1986 is one of the beefier efforts from that short-lived, stylistic detour. The wine reveals a dense ruby/purple color with only a hint of lightening at the edge. Fleshy, muscular, and powerful, with aromas of red and black fruits, earth, and spice, this medium to full-bodied, still tannic, brawny Montrose is not yet close to full maturity. It possesses a layered, chewy character, along with plenty of unresolved tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/1993

The 1986 is a big, brawny Montrose, with gobs of fruit, a boatload of tannin, and enough muscle and depth to remind the league of classic Montrose fans of such great vintages such as 1970, 1964, 1959, and 1953. This deep, full-bodied, chewy wine should last for at least thirty years, but enthusiasts must defer their gratification for another 8 or 9 years. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2015. Last tasted, 3/93. The Montrose vintages from 1978 through 1988 (with the exception of the 1982 and 1986) displayed an alarming lightness and wimpish character that was very un-Montrose-like.

Wine Spectator

96 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe5/15/1989

Concentrated and distinctive, with deep cassis, chocolate and berry aromas and flavors and a lasting finish. All that taste is molded around a gentle core of soft but ample tannins. Almost drinkable now.