1985 Laville Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
Mid greenish gold. Honeyed beeswax nose, which opened up impressively in the glass. Lots of acidity. Starting to take on weight. Lemon and spice. (JR)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1985 is a sumptuous, rich, honeyed Laville-Haut-Brion that should drink beautifully for the next 15 years. It is among the more powerful and richer wines produced by the chateau, yet it has the requisite acid to give it balance and freshness. Not quite as superripe and alcoholic as the 1989, it is perhaps more typical of Laville-Haut-Brion at its richest and fullest. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 12/92.
The 1985 Laville Haut-Brion had a disconcerting deep colour and a resinous nose with too much VA for my liking. Laville often improves with aeration, but I suspect this bottle had some oxidation due to a loose cork. The palate is actually quite pretty with quince and lemon sherbet, but it comes across a little monotone. Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.
About the producer
Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion – sister estate of Ch. Haut-Brion and part of the Clarence Dillon stable – is one of the greatest estates in all of Bordeaux. Based in Pessac-Léognan but not officially classified, it produces outstanding red and white wines.