1985 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 92

The 1985 Mouton-Rothschild came from magnum. Unfortunately, there was a little cork taint on the nose, so this tasting note actually comes from a bottle that I tasted in Bordeaux. The bouquet is open, very classic in style, perhaps blind more like the 1986 with scents of pine cones and undergrowth. It was always quite a backward and (for the vintage) quite surly on the nose. The palate is well balanced with cedar and truffle, firm tannins with gentle grip, maybe missing a bit of flair towards the finish. It is an enjoyable Mouton-Rothschild, though you might have wanted a little more panache. Tasted at the "Judgement of Clapham Junction" dinner in London. [Neal Martin, 07/03/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2040

Robert Parker 93

Tasted from an Imperiale at the Claret Club -85 Dinner at -The Square-. Interesting this: one of the best -85s but rendered far more reticent and backward in this large Imperiale format. It does have a gorgeous nose if you can wait for an hour and even so, much more generous and expressive than Lafite -85. Touches of pencil box, redcurrant and black truffle here. The palate is tannic, full-bodied and masculine, easing up with aeration, beautifully poised with a touch of black tea and tobacco towards the finish. This seems to be 10-years behind the regular bottle format! Tasted December 2009. [Neal Martin, 01/12/2009]