It's my gut feeling that the 1986 is along with the 1982 the finest Talbot made at this estate since the legendary 1945. The fact that there are 40000 cases of this wine is good news for the consumer as there will be plenty to go around. The wine which has been so special since the first taste from cask is classically structured with a penetrating fragrance of peppery spicy weedy black currants and tar an enormous concentration of flavor on the palate and staggering length. The tannins are noticeable but they are ripe tannins somewhat softer than those found in many of the 1986 Medocs. In comparison with stablemate Gruaud-Larose the Talbot is more developed and flattering to taste today. This should prove to be an extraordinarily long-lived wine and as are virtually all the Cordier wines a marvelous value for your money. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted 9/97</P>