1985 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion, Bottle (750ml) [Slightly Soiled Label]

RP95 "The 1985 Cheval Blanc has always been one of the most seductive of releases from the estate during that decade. Here it has that unmistakable highly perfumed bouquet with red berry fruit meddling with sandalwood, leather, briary and dried rose petals. It gains intensity in the glass, blossoms as the minutes go by. Perhaps here the fruit is more pure than the 1983 Cheval Blanc, more vivid. The palate is medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, underpinned by expressive Cabernet Franc that drives this along. I detect that it has lost a little of its flesh and corpulence on the finish, perhaps the first signs that it has just passed its peak? It remains a glorious, sensual Cheval Blanc, nonetheless - a consummate performer. Tasted March 2015." NM for WA Jul 28, 2016

LP95 "The 1985 Cheval Blanc has a medium garnet-brick color. It strides confidently out of the glass with mature notes of cigar box, plum pudding, dried figs, and dusty soil, followed by fragrant wafts of jasmine tea and potpourri. The medium-bodied palate offers compelling tension and loads of exotic spice sparks amongst the dried red and black berry layers, textured by soft, powdery tannins, finishing with a persistent minerally whisper." LPB for TWI Sep 14, 2023