1986 Bordeaux -- Drink or Hold?

Question

I bought a number of great scoring (WS and RP) ones from this vintage at release. Wine Spectator says to drink them now. But many collectors are still holding many older Bordeauxs that fall into the "drink" category and drink them on occasion in vertical tastings. The dilemma is that (with the exception of a Sauternes where I have two) I bought a single bottle of each and really have no immediate special occasion to cork any of them. Are these really going to fall off the the cliff if they are being properly cellared? I am inclined to pack rat hold them a bit more.

Answer 1

All depends which Bordeaux are concerned - some crus could still go forward - otherwise don't phantacize too much on aging - you're in the limits - 1986 was for the bordeaux, generally, a good year, but nothing historical like 1982 -

Answer 2

What is the point in holding them any longer? Start drinking now.

Answer 3

If you're not inclined to drink them, that makes you a wine collector.  I would sell them and buy some 2005 Bordeaux wines to hold.

Answer 4

DRINK!

Answer 5

Personally, I always try to err on the side of drinking too early.  If the wine is still a bit young, I can always decant or let it evolve in the glass.  I've had too many mid 80's Bordeaux that have lost all their fruit and are left with just acidity and alcohol.  

When wine gets to be 22 years from the vintage, one has to remember that there are no great wines, just great bottles.  Storage conditions, shipping and warehousing conditions before you purchased them, and cork quality all have effects on the wine and these are amplified with increasing age.

I just had the 1996 Smith Haut Laffite last night.  It is also in the "drink" category and probably could have cellared for another couple of years, but it was so complex and multi-layered with aromas of flowers and tobacco leaf, with still fresh fruit and acidity on the palate and a lingering finish that blended seamlessly with my rack of lamb, that I can think of no rationale for letting it age any longer.

I'd say open them up and enjoy while you're waiting for your 89's, 90's, 95's, 96's, 00's, 03's. and 05's to fully mature.

Cheers!