1986 Cos d'Estournel Bordeaux Blend - France - Bordeaux - St Estephe - Red - Second Growth

Dark raspberry red. Animalistic, meaty nose. Has an earthyness with a little hint of something nutty. This still has the structure of a young wine. Dry, firm tannins; medium body and bright acidity. Lovely smooth mouthfeel, smoky tobacco and dark leafy blackcurrant fruit. Persistent black fruits develop seamlessly into caramel at the back of the finish. You could drink this for 20 more years!

Stinky feet, saddle, black currant, anise, and cherry on the nose. On the palate there are flavors of spice and dried sour cherries which last though the long finish. The tannins are not soft, but they sit on, rather than grip, the palate.

Another success although no one of the absolute bests of the 86's that I have tried. However, this is splitting hairs and again an outstanding wine.

Lovely; med.-dark color of mahogany w/amber edge; nice nose w/balance of fruit & cedar/haberdashery. delicious on the palate, high class fruit; smooth w/soft integrated tannin but w/plenty of grip & intensity; fully mature and beginning to show some age.

Very well balanced - a little past it's prime. But a great wine!

A dark, extracted, earthy and rich wine... It feels like it is in its prime now. Tannins still strongly evident and ample acidity remains. But the core is extracted fruits and earthy tones and some smoke/tar and very subtle chocolate essence. A mouth filling attack and long persistent finish. The wine is a bit earthy and rough, not finesse driven. I really enjoyed it. We opened this bottle after finishing dinner and enjoyed it on its own; its chewiness almost made for a stand-in dinner course.

Although mishandled in its youth, very fresh. A majo4 suprise!

Color beginning to show some age. Warm black currant, smoke, and baker?s chocolate scents. Tannins are moderating and are now fairly light but still persistent. Acidity is well balanced. Delicate but with plenty of power. Excellent length. A very fine claret.