Consistently impressive from its early days, the 1986 exhibits a nearly black color, enormous richness and depth, sensational extract, and an extremely long finish. However, prospective purchasers should be aware that on four occasions I have had bottles that were flawed by a smell of damp cardboard, which, in my opinion, suggests a problem with the corks. The wine is exceptional, and clearly the finest made at this property in decades, but I wonder how much of the production has been affected by whatever is causing the off odor and taste. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 1/91.