Some frost in 1985 but not at Palmer. Cold winter and early spring. Then very good weather. Sunny and hot after flowering. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot.Deep brick-rimmed garnet. Bright and healthy. Plenty of leather and old furniture and undergrowth but still has a fine floral note - a violet fragrance – as well as the headiness of dark fruit in alcohol. An attractive note of dusty stones. Light lavender. Very perfumed. Touch of mint and cigar box and liquorice. Complex and fresh. On the palate, mouthwatering freshness, completely dissolved tannins and scented on the mid palate. Fine and long and really mouthwatering, Opens up to more capsicum on the nose and tobacco. Lots more liquorice on the finish. Going back at the end of the evening: meaty and gamey with aromas of truffles but in no way falling apart. Silky and fresh and lots of liquorice. (JH)

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A somewhat diffuse, open-knit, easygoing Palmer, with plenty of amber to its dark garnet color, the 1985 Palmer has reached full maturity. Low acidity, sweet cherry, plum and currant fruit intermixed with some licorice, mushroom, and damp earth jumps from the glass of this medium-weight, very fragrant, fruity wine. It lacks the concentration as well as length to be great, but it is a very seductive wine, as are so many 1985s. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 5/02.

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Greatness in subtlety. Clearly focused black cherry and vanilla character. It's full-bodied with medium tannins and a juicy, fruity finish.

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