1985 Clos de la Roche
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Tasting notes
This bottles of 1985 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru came from the famous Don Stott cellar. Nineteen-eighty-five was the last vintage bottled directly from barrel according to Laurent Lignier. It has a ripe and sweet, almost "playful" bouquet with maraschino cherries, orange zest, sous-bois and a hint of soy. There seems to be more skin maceration than other vintages. The palate is fleshy and supple, fine acidity with a touch of liquorice towards the lightly grippy finish. Whilst not the greatest 1985 that I have tasted, this continues to give pleasure.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1985 Clos de la Roche is another stunner. Deep, pliant and super-expressive, the 1985 exudes a level of purity and freshness that is both remarkable for its age and the era in which it was made. To be sure, there is an element of wildness and also volatile acidity/oxidation that runs through the 1985, but compared to the 1989, which presents a similar level of rusticity, it has better balance. In some ways, the 1985 is not totally clean, but it is nevertheless superb.
The Clos de la Roche is impeccable, much fatter, richer, and softer than the firmly structured, tannic 1983, and more concentrated than the compelling 1978. Like the great majority of 1985 red burgundies, it has a savory, forward opulence, super color, and a cascade of plummy fruit. The wine is neither fined nor filtered. A treat to drink now, this wine should be even greater if cellared until 1992-1993.