1986 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru

The Romanee-Conti is very backward in 1986. The fabulous nose of oriental spices, new oak, and ripe fruit is amply displayed, but on the palate the wine is tight, hard, and very rich but still mostly inaccessible. It has a smashingly long finish and should be drinkable between 1993 and 2010. This is among the few superstars of this vintage, but the 1986 is not for drinking soon-patience is most definitely required.

This possesses a classic La Tâche nose with mature, elegant, fine and ultra-spicy aromas framed by ample amounts of sous bois that lead to medium weight and relatively finely detailed flavors that culminate in a long but still fairly tannic finish. This resembles the '87 in the sense that it's an open question as to whether time will ever fully resolve the underlying tannins. That said, between the '87 and the '86, I believe that there is a better chance of that happening with the '86 and overall, this is an undeniable success in the context of a difficult red burgundy vintage. Largely consistent notes. Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

Incredibly subtle, lean and tart, the gorgeous red cherry, plum and cedar flavors already emerging from behind a screen of tannin that will need until 1993 to begin to soften toward drinkability. Has the generosity to warrant the cellaring, and the grace and harmony to become a lovely wine with age. Wine Spectator, Aug 31, 1989