1985 La Violette

The 1985 La Violette predates its renaissance under the late Catherine Père-Vergé. Nevertheless, the nose is initially quite attractive with dark berry fruit and cola, though it is soon usurped by an off-putting geranium scent. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins and vestiges of red fruit, but overall this Pomerol is a little rustic and fades in the glass. Not bad, but outclassed by stiff competition on the evening. Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.