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Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 1985

Red Wine from Bordeaux, France
by Chateau Haut-Brion
$894.99
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The 1985 Haut-Brion represents one of Bordeaux's five First Growths at a compelling juncture of maturity—now four decades in bottle, yet drinking supremely well. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, this vintage was perhaps underestimated in its time. The intense nose reveals dark berry fruit, wild mint, iris flower, and minerality. The silky palate unfolds with leather, tobacco, and cigar notes alongside refined entry and outstanding mineral tension. A contemplative, evolved wine that demonstrates the timeless architecture of First Growth Bordeaux.

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Robert Parker

93 points

"Tasted blind at the 1985 Bordeaux horizontal, the 1985 Château Haut Brion is a lovely wine at the peak of its powers. It has an elegant bouquet with sandalwood and dried rose petals that combine effortlessly with vestiges of red berry fruit. I noticed how with time in the glass, it offers a "side order" of wild girolles! The palate is medium-bodied with a fine seam of acidity, delicate tertiary and leather tones infiltrating the red berry fruit, and while it does not have the audacity of the 1989 or 1990, the finesse on the finish completely wins you over. Simply drink, sit back and savor. Tasted July 2015." —Neal Martin

Jancis Robinson

17.5 points

"Mid ruby with brownish tones. Definite mineral/warm bricks overtones. Tannins are completely faded but the fruit hasn't. Balsam on the finish. Far from heavy and certainly has nowhere to go but the finish is particularly beautiful."

Decanter

93 points

"Haut-Brion always has a deliciously seductive smoky quality that becomes clearer with age, and it is on full display here - campfire, cold ash, sandalwood, earth and truffles, alongside softly expressive brambled autumnal fruits. Gently stretching out through the palate, this is one to savour, with beautiful balance. Jean Bernard Delmas was technical director, as he would be until 2004, in place since 1961. The second generation of his family to occupy the role, he was overseeing an impressive decade for Haut-Brion, with plenty of successes and this is still easy to recommend at 36 years old."

Wine Spectator

93 points

"Supple, harmonious, cascading with beautifully balanced fruit, spice and earthy tobacco notes. Not a powerhouse, but very fine and delicious to drink now."

More about Chateau Haut-Brion

The original luxury brand. Named in 1521 as the first Bordeaux wine labeled for terroir (not owner)—revolutionary then, benchmark now. First Growth in Graves since 1855. Gravelly soils, centuries of legend. Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Pepys knew. History made liquid.

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Vintage

    1985

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Traditional

  • Sweetness

    Dry

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

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Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Aged beef, venison, roasted game, truffle-based dishes, mature hard cheeses.

Tasting Profile

Aromas of dark berries, wild mint, iris flower, smoked pine, leather, and incense. Silky texture with outstanding minerality and tension, tobacco and cigar flavors, elegant refined finish.

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