Into neck to Base of neck

Recent check-in with this wine at ChapFour. 

This cellar once again proves how consistent temperature control is by far the strongest indicator of excellent freshness 40 years after vintage. Margaux 1986 is still a very stout, nearly 90% Cabernet Sauvignon based wine. I was comparing its viscosity, dry extract, and structure to recollections of 1986 Mouton-Rothschild. Its that big. For Ch. Margaux its a bit of an outlier as the more "feminine" qualities that can originate from the appellations sandier soils currently sit in the background as of 2026. The classic violet florals are there, however, its character is currently dominated by the Cabernet. This is a very good sign as it mean that while the wine has entered its "plateau" phase, it will remain there for a decade plus in my experience. We're going to be celebrating this wine in 2036 at 50 yrs of age and astonished at how well its color has held up, its flavors only just showing the turn to autumnal flavors...The was is in stellar condition and considering prices for Haut Brion, Mouton and Lafite it is very much under priced by consumers. IMHO, it should carry a price between $750-900. 8/20206

97 CellarTracker

Aromas of flowers, red and black fruits, cigar, wet stone. Captivating nose. Opened up after about 30 minutes of air in glass. Stayed strong throughout several hours of drinking bottle. Silky, saturating, elegant, medium-full body palate, with initial grippy feel largely falling away over the first hour. Then it was really singing. Drinking at peak now, but could hold for at least a decade more. Tannins were in my bottle mostly resolved, but enough balance and beauty to live longer. Will try to hold my last bottle for another 5-10 years to see if it stays this strong. Beautiful. 7/30/2026

97 CellarTracker

Color, intense clear red. 1st nose, red fruits, mulberry. 2nd nose, roasted vanilla, roasted oak, bit of alcohol. On the palate, still some unresolved tannins, indicationg it could cellar for at least another 10 years! Amaxingly youthful, Medium to big body with long long finish. 7/11/2026