TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

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JCNorthway
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TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by JCNorthway »

Can I call this a "classic St. Julien?" I have delayed opening this single bottle for years, fearing the 1986 tannins. Well, I finally gave in to temptation tonight (with grilled ribeye), and I'm glad that I did. I pulled the cork late afternoon and let it sit open in the cellar for several hours. The wine was in a really nice place this evening. The harsh 1986 tannins were totally resolved, leaving a lot of nice, still fresh, fruit flavors that were overlayed on a still existing structure. The nose was so classic Bordeaux that I almost didn't need to even taste it (almost!). I bought one bottle of this at the old Sam's store in Chicago a few years after release. I usually take off any price tags, but I missed this one - I paid $28 for what turned out to be a really nice wine tonight. Wish I had been smart enough to buy a case!
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Racer Chris
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Racer Chris »

I had a bottle of the '86 two years ago, and also thought it was really nice.
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stefan
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by stefan »

I also regret not buying more of that beauty, Jon.
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JimHow
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by JimHow »

1986 Gruaud Larose… A member of the BWE Hall of Fame.
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Comte Flaneur
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Comte Flaneur »

A great 1986. Always shines in 1986 horizontals, especially against other overachievers like Rauzan Segla and Talbot.
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Gerry M.
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Gerry M. »

That's always on my short list of bottles to pick up. I last had it about a year ago and it was excellent and open for business.
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Blanquito
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Blanquito »

I bought 4 bottles of this in 1995 for $26 each at Century Liquors in Rochester, NY. I still cry myself to sleep on occasion wondering why I had so little vision.
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Comte Flaneur
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Comte Flaneur »

We have documented the purple patch for Pichon Lalande many times. In my opinion 1978-89, with the epicentre being 1978-82 IMHO. But Gruaud had a purple patch which we have also documented. 1982-1988. We know how good the 1982 is, and we have just reminded about the 1986, but the 1983, 1985 and 1988 are extraordinary too IMHO.

Getting back to 1986s more generally...what has been the recent experience? Has anyone tried the Pichon Lalande lately? I have a few sitting in storage.
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JimHow
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by JimHow »

I agree, I'm not as high on the 89-90 GL as I am on the 82, 83, 85, 86, and 88.
The 2000 Gruaud Larose is a nice wine IMHO.
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Blanquito
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Blanquito »

Yes, coming on the heels of 82-88, the 1989 and 1990 Gruard-Larose are a let-down. At the tasting in NYC that Maureen came to in your stead, Ian, I thought the 90 Gruaud was actually bad, though it was tasted in a lofty line-up.

I feel the same way about the 89 and 90 Talbot too-- let-downs-- whereas I am a huge fan of the 82, 83, 85, 86 and (less so) 88 Talbots... I even prefer the 86 Talbot to the 86 GL in recent comparisons, like DC '16.
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Nicklasss
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Nicklasss »

I had the 1986 Chateau Pichon Lalande a few time, and last time was probably in 2012 and thought it needed 10 to 15 more years...

1982 Chateau Gruaud Larose was my favorite at Chris Bubblitz Thursday pre-convention dinner, few tears ago, ahead of 1982 Haut Brion, 1982 GPL, 1986 Pichon Lalande and more!

Nic
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JimHow
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by JimHow »

I remember drinking 1986 Pichon Lalande in Chicago with Jon, Rick/Kathy, and others at a Pichon Lakande vertical.
To me, the '86 was mind blowing.

And then, of course, there was the Barry White Incident....
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JCNorthway
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by JCNorthway »

I remember that 1986 Pichon Lalande, Jim. It was truly a fabulous wine among other great Pichons drunk that day. I think we had the 1982 also that dinner, and the 1986 seemed to even beat that.
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JimHow
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by JimHow »

Yes we had the 82 that day Jon and the 86 beat it.
In fact that incredibly generous fellow uncorked a second bottle of the 86 as I recall.
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stefan
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by stefan »

If I had to choose betweenn '86 Pichon Lalande and '86 Gruaud Larose, I would choose a ménage a trois.
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hautbrionlover
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by hautbrionlover »

The 1986 Gruaud Larose is one of my favorite GLs - and St Juliens - ever, along with the '82 GL.
The 1982 Pichon Lalande is one of my favorite wines ever.
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AKR
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by AKR »

Its been a long time since I've had one, but I've always thought that the 86 GL was their best ever.

I seem to remember it winning among a GL vertical we did some time ago too.

=======

Speaking of Purple Patches of Greatness, Pontet Canet is coming up on basically 20 years of excellence too.
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Claret
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Claret »

I recall an 86 ARV opened in NYC as being especially good. Had to be 11+ years ago.

I am waiting on my lone bottle a bit longer.
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Comte Flaneur
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by Comte Flaneur »

For me the defining characteristic of this wine is the density and power of its mid palate. That is why the Talbot and Rauzan-Segla are found wanting by comparison when they are matched up in the same flight. I too have one bottle left, which creates all kinds of dilemmas and handwringing.
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JimHow
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Re: TN: 1986 Gruaud Larose

Post by JimHow »

Hmmm, Nic and I will come to London this spring if….
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