Stephen Brook: Like the 1989, this showed little development in color. The vintage has always been a heavyweight in the Médoc with, in some cases, ferocious tannins. Ten years ago it was hard to derive much pleasure from 1986 Margaux, but time has softened those tannins. There were lush black-cherry aromas, with a touch of mint, and the oak was fully integrated. The palate was rich and bold, highly concentrated, spicy, and still assertive; it also showed little sign of age or development. It may not be a classic Château Margaux, but it’s a classic Médoc, with power and intensity. It is a wine that still has a long way to go and will benefit from further ageing. Indeed, a slight surliness and lack of elegance suggested it would be advisableto cellar the 1986 a while longer. 18.5