Vintage Summary and Recommendations: Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 1986 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 1986 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
The 1986 vintage was largely good but stopped short of excellent. In France, Bordeaux, Sauternes, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Champagne and the Loire all performed well, while Alsace and the Rhône Valley struggled a little more. In wider Europe, both Piedmont and Tuscany had so-so years with few truly stand-out wines, but some good ones were still made. Port and Spain were largely average while Germany and Tokaj were both good. Any of these wines would make a fabulous 39 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac 1986 Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac Chateau Giscours 1986 Margaux 3rd Growth Classification Dao 1986 Porta dos Cavaleiros Taittinger 1986 Vintage Champagne Hans Harthung – gift box with 4 glasses This Year in History: Fun Fact: Halley’s Comet appeared in the night sky, as it also did back in 1682, 1758, 1835, and 1910. Halley’s Comet orbits the sun every 75-76 years, and will not be seen again until 2062.
Eurovision Winner: Belgium with the song "J'aime La Vie" by Sandra Kim
Top Grossing Movie: Top Gun
Bordeaux: 1986 was a great vintage for the wines produced in the northern part of Bordeaux (St Julien, Pauillac) where many of those wineries produced deep, concentrated wines that will mature over the next decade or two. What marks the 1986 vintage is tannin. The tannins originate from the skins of those well ripened grapes which were left on the vines for several weeks before harvest - in tastings the 1986 usually stands out because of this particular quality. The wines only reached their peak recently but will remain there for many years to come. Drinking well now, these wines would make a great 39 year old wine gift for a birthday or celebration and would grace the table of any anniversary event.
Italian: 1986 was a very good year for Italian wines. The wines produced that year are generally quite consistent and there are some great Barolos from Piedmont. The wines have reached full maturity but will last for a few more years.
Portugal: A good year that produced forward, fruit packed Single Quinta Vintage port wines that are at their best now and will remain so for many years, however there was no declaration of vintage in 1986. Tawny or Single Harvest Ports will offer a great alternative to Vintage Port.
Spain: The 1986 was a good vintage for Rioja and Ribera Del Duero, with the former producing some good but rather lean wines and the latter standing out for its power, structure and complexity.
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26 products found.
Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac, 1986
Ryst Dupeyron Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac
50cl bottle
Includes original orange colour cardboard gift box
The term "Millésime" on this label indicates that this is a single-vintage Armagnac, meaning all the grapes used were harvested in 1986. This makes for fantastic option for anyone celebrating an anniversary or birthday commemorating this year.
Tasting Notes
Armagnacs from Ryst-Dupeyron are known for their depth and complexity. Expect notes of dried fruits, vanilla, spices, oak, and perhaps hints of caramel or toffee. The extended aging period typically results in a smooth, well-rounded spirit with a long finish.
Serving & Food Pairing
Armagnac is traditionally enjoyed neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its complexity. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
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Bramaterra, 1986
Luigi Perazzi
Produced mainly with Nebbiolo grapes cultivated on the slopes of Monte Rosa, west of Gattinara, of medium aging, 2 years minimum, it comes from a knowledgeable use of aging wood. Of ruby color, complex scents of mature fruit and spices, fresh and austere body. It's suited for a medium/long aging.
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
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Cannonau Di Sardegna, 1986
Dorgali, Sardinia
The Cannonau (also known as Cannonao, Cannonadu or Canunau) is the most popular wine from the island of Sardinia. It's mostly produced in the centre of Sardinia, even if we can find production of this famous wine in all the island. The grapes used for this Sardinian wine is the Cannonau. (At least 90 % of this grapes has to be used to be certified as original Cannonau). Cannonau is a very "strong wine" so it should be used with elaborate red meat and some types of cheese.
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel, 1986
St Estephe, 2nd Growth Classification
95 Points - Robert Parker
Reviews: "The 1986 is a highly extracted wine, with a black/ruby color and plenty of toasty, smoky notes in its bouquet that suggest ripe plums and licorice. Evolving at a glacial pace, it exhibits massive, huge, ripe, extremely concentrated flavors with impressive depth and richness. It possesses power, weight, and tannin." Parker, Wine Advocate 1994
"his bottle is similar to the one last year: dense, masculine, wet sand, austere on the nose, as if the wine is slamming a door in your face, but after a time there is a lovely touch of cardamom that develops. The palate suggests that it is worth cellaring, …
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Price: £225.00
Stock: 6 in Stock
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel, 1986
St Estephe, 2nd Growth Classification
95 Points - Robert Parker
Reviews: "The 1986 is a highly extracted wine, with a black/ruby color and plenty of toasty, smoky notes in its bouquet that suggest ripe plums and licorice. Evolving at a glacial pace, it exhibits massive, huge, ripe, extremely concentrated flavors with impressive depth and richness. It possesses power, weight, and tannin." Parker, Wine Advocate 1994
"his bottle is similar to the one last year: dense, masculine, wet sand, austere on the nose, as if the wine is slamming a door in your face, but after a time there is a lovely touch of cardamom that develops. The palate suggests that it is worth cellaring, …
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Price: £220.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Chateau Giscours, 1986
Margaux, 3rd Growth Classification
Dark core light bricking at edges. The 1986 Giscours still has a complex bouquet with clearly black currants. In the taste black currant juice, a bit leather, bitter, sweet and vanilla with some earthiness. Soft and good, but a bit drying tannin. Nice aftertaste, slightly bitter. Medium + Finish.
Château Giscours, situated in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its prestigious history and exceptional red wines. Dating back to the 14th century, the estate's vineyards span approximately 80 hectares, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
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Chateau Hanteillan, 1986
Haut-Medoc
The 1989 Chateau Hanteilan is a claret from a stellar year in Bordeaux filled with soft plummy flavours and hints of cherry alongside notes of cedar and liquorice. A well made Haut Medoc at its best now.
Serving suggestions:
This bottle will need decanting in order to remove sediment and aerate the wine to release its aromas. Serve at room temperature with sirloin steak, roast beef, braised or grilled lamb. It is perfect with soft cheeses such as brie or soft goat cheese as well as hard cheeses such as cheddar, parmigiano reggiano, pecorino or aged manchego.
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Price: £49.95
Stock: 7 in Stock
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Chateau Latour, 1986
Pauillac 1er Grand Cru Classe
The 1986 Château Latour is a highly regarded vintage from this legendary Pauillac estate. The 1986 vintage in Bordeaux, particularly for the Left Bank, is celebrated for its exceptional quality, marked by a long, dry growing season that produced highly structured, tannic wines with great aging potential. Château Latour is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends, and the 1986 vintage is a classic example of this style. It is highly sought after by collectors due to its longevity and exceptional reputation.
Tasting Notes: Color: Deep, dark garnet, still showing youthful vibrancy despite its age. …
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Price: £525.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
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Chateau Lynch-Bages, 1986
Pauillac 5me Cru Classe, Bordeaux
*** 94 Points - Parker ***
Château Lynch-Bages is an iconic wine estate located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history dating back to the 18th century, the estate has established itself as one of the leading producers of exceptional red wines. Encompassing approximately 100 hectares, the vineyard benefits from gravelly soils and a maritime climate, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. Château Lynch-Bages's wines are celebrated for their power, depth, and aging potential, exhibiting rich fruit flavors, robust tannins, and a distinct Pauillac character. …
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Price: £249.00
Stock: 6 in Stock
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Chateau Palmer, 1986
Margaux 3me Cru Classe
*** 93 Points Wine Journal ***
*** 93 Points Wine Journal ***
Reviews "This is one of the great Palmers of the 1980s, though it is several years since I last encountered it. Here, there is one word that springs to mind-class. Wonderful definition, a little reserved at first, but wonderfully defined with cedar, sandalwood and cigar box. The palate has firm tannins as you would expect from an -86, but it is married with Margaux femininity, leading to a lovely, supple finish with graphite and blackberry lingering on the back palate. Superb. Drink now-2018. Tasted November 2009." Neil Martin, Wine Journal
Château Palmer, …
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Price: £285.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Chateau Trotte Vielle, 1986
St Emilion Premiere Grand cru Classe
The Château Trotte Vieille 1986 is a wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, France. This estate is classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B) and is known for producing elegant and age-worthy wines that reflect its historic terroir. The 1986 vintage was more celebrated on the Left Bank but still yielded intriguing wines on the Right Bank, particularly for producers with meticulous vineyard management.
Wine Overview
Château Trotte Vieille is known for its classic Bordeaux blends, and the 1986 vintage is likely composed of:
Cabernet Franc (dominant): Contributing structure, floral aromatics, and herbal notes. …
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Price: £79.95
Stock: 13 in Stock
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Chianti, 1986
Ruffino
Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of all Italian wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Chianti, 1986
Bandini
Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of all Italian wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
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Price: £59.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Ghemme, 1986
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo
The wines Sizzano must be made from grapes coming from the following varieties: Nebbiolo (Span): 50-70%; Vespolina and Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese) alone or in combination 30-50%. Colour: ruby red with garnet; Bouquet: vinous, typical, with hints of violet, fine and pleasant; Flavour: dry, full-bodied and harmonious with a slightly bitter aftertaste; Aging: "Sizzano": at least 22 months of which at least 18 in wood; "Sizzano Reserve": at least 34 months of which at least 24 in wood.
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Hine Grand Champagne Cognac, 1986
Champagne Cognac
Landed in 1987. Bottled in 2001 for John Harvey and Sons.
The Hine Grande Champagne Cognac 1986 is a remarkable expression of single vintage cognac from one of the most esteemed houses in the Cognac region. Hine, established in 1763, is renowned for its focus on producing elegant, terroir-driven cognacs, particularly those from the premier Grande Champagne region, known for its chalky soils and long-aging potential.
About the 1986 Vintage
Single Vintage Cognac: Unlike standard blends, this is a vintage-dated cognac, meaning all the eaux-de-vie come from the 1986 harvest. Single vintage cognacs are rare and often prized for their ability to reflect the unique characteristics of a specific year. …
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Price: £395.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
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Merlot, 1986
Le Borgate
Fine ruby red colour with slight orange shade with ageing. Full fragance, heavy and enduring bouquet. Moderate dry with elegant bitter finish, robust and full-bodied
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Price: £49.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Porta dos Cavaleiros, 1986
Porta dos Cavaleiros, Dao
Caves S. Joao, established in 1920, became a dominant force in Portuguese wine making in the early 20th century with their houses Porta dos Cavaleiros in Dao and Frei Joao in Bairrada. Given the shifting trends in consumer preferences, Bairrada and Dao fell to obscurity in the 1990s when critical influence drove the demand for bigger, extracted, warmer climate wines. As in all things, however, what comes around goes around! Sure enough, 20 years later savvy consumers and food-conscious sommeliers are looking for finesse and freshness and heading back to Bairrada and Dao. Wines that when young had a vegetal character, …
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 150 in Stock
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Quinta do Poco do Lobo, 1986
Quinta Poço do Lobo - Cabernet, Bairrada
Caves S. Joao, established in 1920, became a dominant force in Portuguese wine making in the early 20th century with their houses Porta dos Cavaleiros in Dao and Frei Joao in Bairrada. Given the shifting trends in consumer preferences, Bairrada and Dao fell to obscurity in the 1990s when critical influence drove the demand for bigger, extracted, warmer climate wines. As in all things, however, what comes around goes around! Sure enough, 20 years later savvy consumers and food-conscious sommeliers are looking for finesse and freshness and heading back to Bairrada and Dao. Wines that when young had a vegetal character, …
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 114 in Stock
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Taittinger, 1986
Vintage Champagne Hans Harthung
Original Taittinger presentation case
4x Taittinger glasses in case
Amongst Champagne's luxury cuveés and super-premium labels, Taittinger's wines live on one extreme end of the style spectrum.
While many top Champagnes can be quite difficult to approach in their youth, with laser-like focus and delineation, even austerity, Taittinger instead tends to be immediately open and welcoming. These are beautiful, delicious Champagnes, with bubbles lazily winding their way up to the surface, inviting you to take another sip.
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Price: £595.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Taittinger, 1986
Vintage Champagne Hans Harthung
Amongst Champagne's luxury cuveés and super-premium labels, Taittinger's wines live on one extreme end of the style spectrum.
While many top Champagnes can be quite difficult to approach in their youth, with laser-like focus and delineation, even austerity, Taittinger instead tends to be immediately open and welcoming. These are beautiful, delicious Champagnes, with bubbles lazily winding their way up to the surface, inviting you to take another sip.
The Taittinger Collection Series bottles are released only in great vintages, from a selection of the year's finest cuvées. The wines are made from Chardonnay mainly from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne vineyards. …
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Price: £365.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
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Chateau d'Yquem, 1986
Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classe
Sweet White Wine
Château d'Yquem is considered by many to be Bordeaux’s single greatest wine and it is the only wine in France to hold the Premier Cru Superieur (Great First Growth) designation. The uncompromising pursuit of quality is what sets this sweet white wine apart – a standard meticulously maintained throughout the estate’s history.
Chateau d`Yquem is often described as the greatest sweet wine in the world. After centuries of family ownership, Yquem was finally sold in acrimonious circumstances to Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy in 1999. However, its former owner and director Alexandre de Lur-Saluce remains in charge. …
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Price: £495.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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Chateau Fourcas Holsten, 1986
Listrac (Médoc) Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
Located in the Listrac-Médoc in the Haut-Médoc, Fourcas Hosten is an historic estate framed by the quiet charm of Listrac-Médoc`s Romanesque church and 3ha park filled with ancient trees.
The 1986 vintage offers a rare chance to travel back in time and savour the Château`s history.
Tasting notes: Pale garnet colour. On the nose dried cherries, raspberries, truffles and slate. On the palate medium plus bodied with velvety tannins and a long cherry finish.
About Chateau Fourcas Holsten Château Fourcas Hosten, located in the esteemed Listrac-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, France, is a historic estate revered for its commitment to producing exceptional wines that embody the essence of its terroir. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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Chateau Lanessan, 1986
Medoc, Bordeaux
the 1986 chateau Lannessan as a Dark ruby red colour, clear and very weighty. A strong, thick fruit nose. Alcoholic 'Ribena'! A hefty blackcurrant aroma, a an equally potent alcoholic bouquet! Dry mouthfeel. A huge, complex taste, dry tannin, a big blackcurrant fruitiness, which is followed by a strong peppery spice. The finish is long.
Château Lanessan, situated in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, France, is esteemed for its longstanding tradition of crafting high-quality red wines. With a history tracing back to the 18th century, the estate's vineyards, covering around 80 hectares, thrive in gravelly and sandy soils, ideal for nurturing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. …
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Price: £59.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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Chateau Musar, 1986
Bekaar Valley, Gaston Hochar
This rare 1986 Musar is a blend of Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Carignan from this well-known and highly regarded Lebanese winery.
Chateau Musar is often referred to as the Lafite of the Lebanon. Wine maker Gaston Hochar defied the odds producing a string of great wines during the Lebanon War. Musar has assumed legendary status. Complex, long-lived and endlessly varied, in some vintages it seems more like a Burgundy, in others a Bordeaux, in still others a Hermitage. But it is always brilliantly, uniquely, Lebanese. Ages magnificently but good vintages are usually best at 10-20 years old. …
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Price: £295.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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Fonseca Port, 1986
Guimaraens Vintage Port
In undeclared vintages Fonseca bottle Guimaraens, provided the quality of the fruit is sufficient. This has a good depth of colour, with a moderate red-tawny hue. The nose has exotic notes of musky scent and spiced woods, together with some chocolate edged fruit. The palate has an impressive texture and sweetness immediately apparent on entry. Good fruit and a nice backbone of soft tannins. Elegant, with a touch of complexity, with balance, very much in the house style.
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Price: £129.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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