I hadn't tried this since May 2006 and like many '86s, time isn't being especially kind. Moderate bricking. There is a whiff of funk to the sous-bois, spice, Asian tea and earth-scented nose. On the plus side there is reasonably good concentration in the context of the vintage to the sappy and attractively textured flavors that culminate in a mildly warm and edgy finish that offers acceptable depth and length. The 2006 example was a bit more harmonious than this more recent bottle but in truth, neither is particularly distinguished, even for what was a very challenging vintage for the reds.
Allen Meadows - Score: 88 (2017 April)
I hadn't tried this since May 2006 and like many '86s, time isn't being especially kind. Moderate bricking. There is a whiff of funk to the sous-bois, spice, Asian tea and earth-scented nose. On the plus side there is reasonably good concentration in the context of the vintage to the sappy and attractively textured flavors that culminate in a mildly warm and edgy finish that offers acceptable depth and length. The 2006 example was a bit more harmonious than this more recent bottle but in truth, neither is particularly distinguished, even for what was a very challenging vintage for the reds.