Mission Haut Brion - Pessac-Léognan 1986

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

par Neal Martin le 30/12/2016

Tasted at the château, the 1986 La Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 38% Merlot and 62% Cabernet Sauvignon. A bit like the 1996 La Mission, there is something sedate about the bouquet, nicely defined if not as complex as others, and certainly it would pale against subsequent vintages such as the 1989 or 2005. Delicate black fruit, sage and rosemary at first, then cola-tinged briary and dried fig. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy entry. This feels a little brusque and quite ferrous in the mouth, missing some depth on the mid-palate, leading to a very foursquare finish that I feel is beginning to dry out a little. This was a period soon after Clarence Dillon's acquisition of the estate from the Woltner family and the vineyard was being reconstituted. Suffice to say, that tells in this decent but to be candid, slightly dour Pessac-Leognan. Tasted July 2016.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

par Robert Parker le 22/10/2002

D'un rubis-pourpre foncé, doté de notes poussiéreuses de terre et de boîte à cigares, ce vin moyennement corsé, quelque peu austère, n'à pas le charme ni la séduction des millésimes plus mûrs. En outre, il est musclé et très tannique. Cependant, il demeure parfumé, et il semble encore très jeune. Je pense néanmoins qu'il ne se défera jamais totalement de son austérité. A boire jusqu'en 2016.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

par Robert Parker le 01/09/1998

There is a distinctive earthiness to this weedy, medium-bodied La Mission-Haut-Brion that still has some tannin to shed. The wine displays a youthful dark ruby/purple color, and sweet cassis fruit in the reticent, still unevolved nose. There is admirable power in this wine that is driven more by its spice and structure than its sweetness of fruit. Still youthful, it should continue to develop and evolve for another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2012. Last tasted 5/97

Wine Advocate

/ 100

par Robert Parker le 31/10/1994

A Possible Legend Candidate no rating

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

par Robert Parker le 31/08/1993

The 1986 La Mission-Haut-Brion possesses dark ruby color, a spicy, mineral and tobacco-scented bouquet, firm tannins, medium to full body, and excellent potential for extended cellaring. The compactness noticeable in early tastings has been replaced by a more expansive, generous feeling of fruit. Plenty of tannin remains, but the mineral, cassis, and tobacco scents of a top La Mission are beginning to emerge. This wine is closer to maturity than I would have thought. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2010. Last tasted, 6/93.

Wine Spectator

97 / 100

par James Suckling le 15/11/1991

An extremely impressive, yet slightly hard wine; still closed, but could be as great as the 1952. Dark ruby in color and very aromatic, with a rich cherry aromas. Full-bodied, with full tannins and plenty of fruit, yet very closed and tight on the finish.--La Mission-Haut-Brion vertical. Best from 1998 through 2000.

Wine Spectator

94 / 100

le 15/07/1989

Outstanding in the Graves style. Firmly planted in its terroir. Smells and tastes uniquely earthy, toasty and minerally, but intriguingly attractive. Structure is firm but elegant. Long-lasting finish. Best from 1994 through 2000