What a wonderful opportunity to taste this wine again. I last had this wine at our BAWE high-end tasting at Christmas, when the person who brought it was concerned over storage. After tasting this last night, I believe his concerns were justified, as it showed nowhere near as well as this bottle. A stunningly deep dark red color without the slightest hint of bricking and a nose that makes you stop and ponder, with notes of berries, earth, leather, and oak nuances (caramel/vanilla). Hugely concentrated, yet amazing elegant and refined with an amazing long finish. 97 points.

Eric, absolutely everything I've read says this wine is years away from prime drinking. I have a case and haven't opened one yet. What is your opinion of the time to drink this wine? I had the '86 Margaux two years ago and it was closed.

Board-O -

Based on my first tasting around Christmas I would have suggested drinking soon, but after last night? I would say with your impeccable storage you have plenty of time. If I had a case I'd probably be tempted to crack one in the next 5-10 years, but I have no doubt whatsoever it will continue to improve over the next 25 years and beyond.

Eric, we had the "other" Rothschild at the BAWE holiday tasting. The wine we had was the 1986 Lafite Rothschild.

d'oh! Thanks for the correction skwid!