1985 Château Margaux

Very sweet and rich on the nose. Much less intense than the earlier vintages. Sweet and round and charming but without the sheer intensity of the younger wines. Very fresh. A flattering wine that’s at its peak. Intense and rich. Quite long. Racy. Super-fresh, though not intense. (JR)

Chateau Margaux remains one of the most compelling, indeed most delicious First Growths. Deeper in color than its peers, there bouquet is vibrant and vivacious with succulent red fruits, date, a touch of iodine and violets and as before, further aeration reveals those classic pencil lead aromas. The palate is exquisitely balanced, focused and powerful and yet brilliant defined with a sublime talcum finish, a hint of exotic fruit on the finish. Divine. (NM)

Approaching full maturity, this beautifully sweet Chateau Margaux has a dense plum/purple color and a huge, sweet nose of black currants intermixed with licorice, toast, underbrush, and flowers. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannin and a fleshy, juicy, very succulent and multi-layered mid-palate, this expansive, velvety wine has entered its plateau of maturity, where it should remain (assuming good storage) for at least another 10-15 years. A very delicious, seductive, and opulent Chateau Margaux to drink over the next two decades. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 10/02.