1985 Mas de Daumas Gassac Rouge
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Tasting notes
The 1985 Rouge is totally seductive. Dried black fruits, tobacco, balsamic notes and leathery nuances rise up from the glass. Balanced by refreshing acidity and framed by smooth tannins, the 1985 showcases vivid intensity on the medium-bodied palate before concluding with an alluring finish. Kudos to the Guibert family for crafting this ravishing beauty.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
A largely academic data point for longtime collectors out there, the 1985 Rouge VDP de l'Herault is nearing the end of its life, but it remains immensely enjoyable. Tobacco and cedar notes meld into the very definition of cigar box aromas. There's a bit of cassis fruit hanging on, while the medium-weight body is supported by silky-smooth tannins and a long finish. Tasted at the domaine, so it's likely that bottles with less pristine provenance may not show as well. Drink up in the next couple of years.
72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Tannat, 6% Malbec, 1% Pinot Noir, 7% Syrah, 2% rare varieties. TA 3.70 g/l (sulphuric) , pH 3.54. Musty nose that appears much more aged than the 1987 tasted immediately beforehand. It has an archive quality – old leather, pipe smoke. Then on the palate, a great hit of fruit and a long liquorice and menthol note to finish. Just drying up a little bit perhaps – needs to be consumed soon. (RH)
Beautiful deep crimson colour. Ripe red fruits on the nose, then lots of acid and jagged structure. Furry tannins at the end. This recalls the 1982 and older vintages. There is not enough fruit and the wine is hollow. The others liked it more than I did. (JR)