The 1986 Richebourg Grand Cru, poured by Jean-Nicolas Méo himself, is blessed with one of the most heavenly bouquets that I have ever tasted on a red Burgundy - entrancing red fruit, iron filings, black truffle and morels. It is so complex, so perfectly formed, that I have to pause before imbibing. If truth be told, the palate cannot match the aromatics, but it is a stunning Richebourg with ineffable complexity. The vestige of red fruit shimmers in the glass and there is incredible precision on the finish. Maybe it does not quite possess the depth and length of the 1991 Richebourg tasted at Tour d'Argent early last year, but this is still a testament to the man who made it, Henri Jayer. Tasted at La Paulée in Beaune. Drinking window: 2019-2040 (Neal Martin, Nov 2018, 96 Pts)
The spectacular Richebourg has a stunning nose, is more full bodied and powerful than usual, very long, but also quite tannic. I tasted it twice and my estimate on peak drinkability was between 1996 and 2012. It should be a real ager. This is among the few superstars of this vintage, but the 1986 is not for drinking soon-patience is most definitely required. (Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 1st Sep 1990, 94 Pts)
