Tasting Notes
Wine Advocate 97
Tasted at Cheval Blanc dinner at The Ledbury. This is simply a gorgeous Cheval Blanc. This is the third or fourth time that I have enjoyed the company of the ’85 this year. It sports a deep garnet colour. The nose is divine: precocious ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, maraschino cherry with stunning delineation. The palate has a seamless texture with a caressing sensual mouthfeel that has more in common with Romanee Saint Vivant than Saint Emilion. It is such an effortless wine that you almost overlook its power, purring like a vintage Bentley. It makes the ’82 look ordinary alongside. Tasted November 2010.
Vinous 95
It has been several years since I last tasted the 1985 Cheval Blanc. When this was poured, a guest enquired whether I liked it, to which I replied: It s Cheval Blanc It s 1985 Of course! Now, approaching four decades old, I suspect the 1985 will not improve further, except in a larger format. This bottle shows minor degradation in color on the rim, just light bricking. The bouquet bursts from the glass: dark berry compote, iron filings, shavings of black truffle and brown leaves, becoming more savory as it blossoms in the glass. There s real depth to the aromatics, which are irresistible. The palate has recently dispensed with some of its backbone as the tannins polymerize, rendering it a tad looser knit than prior examples. Ferrous red fruit, hints of soy, dried fig and just the faintest brush of curry leaf on the finish. This is old school Saint-Emilion in all its glory. There s no excuse not to crack open a bottle in your cellar if you are lucky enough to have one.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2046
