1986 Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classe

Still tasting as if it were only 7-8 years of age, the dense, garnet/purple-colored 1986 Gruaud-Larose is evolving at a glacier pace. The wine still has mammoth structure, tremendous reserves of fruit and concentration, and a finish that lasts close to a minute. The wine is massive, very impressively constituted, with still some mouth-searing tannin to shed. Decanting of one to two hours in advance seems to soften it a bit, but this is a wine that seems to be almost immortal in terms of its longevity. It is a great Medoc classic, and certainly one of the most magnificent Gruaud-Larose ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 10/02.

I've always loved this wine. In the past I have found it combines the beautiful opulence of old Gruaud-Larose with the structure of the vintage. Most recently a bottle in February 2023 was loaded with sweet red cherry notes and rose petals. Surprisingly delicate. Not as structured as many ‘86s. Fine powdery tannin. Lovely freshness that opened beautifully in the glass. There is a touch of grip on the finish that would lend well to robust dishes but that is more than to be expected from the vintage. A great Gruaud.

Very youthful deep ruby-red color. Brooding nose offers perfumed blackcurrant, mineral, violet and quinine aromas. Big, dense and rich, conveying an impression of strong extract to the powerful, well-delineated blackberry and herb flavors. The long, tactile finish features chewy but polished tannins and a lingering floral note. Though ready to drink now, this wine will continue to age gracefully. One of the best Gruaud-Larose wines of the past 40 years.