Cheval Blanc - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1985

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe8/31/2018

1985 Cheval Blanc - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Medium garnet-brick colored, the 1985 Cheval Blanc sashays out of the glass with provocative notes of sandalwood, cinnamon stick, cardamom, dried lavender and wilted roses over a core of new leather, cigar box, prunes, raisin cake and dusty soil. Medium-bodied, soft and silken textured, it has tons of mature, melt-in-your-mouth flavors and a very long exotic spice-laced finish. Drink 2018 - 2038.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

93 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe8/31/2002

Medium red, with a hint of amber at the rim. Pungent, highly complex nose combines redcurrant, autumn leaves, sweet tobacco, smoked meat, truffle and mint. Dense and silky, with a firm spine of acidity giving the wine excellent penetration and vinosity. Impeccably balanced and sweet. Finishes firmly tannic, with superb subtle persistence. A particularly lovely '85, in the elegant style of the vintage. Drink now through 2015.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byThomas Matthewsthe3/31/1999

Beginning to show maturity. Spice and cedar aromas give way to a silky texture and flavors of tobacco and roasted fruits. Drink or hold.--Cheval-Blanc vertical.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/1/1998

Fully mature, but capable of lasting another 10-15 years, this flamboyantly scented wine (jammy black fruits, licorice, Asian spices, herbs, grilled meats) is a lusciously rich, opulent, medium to full-bodied, fat and juicy style of Cheval Blanc that seems to get better and better every time I taste it. Like so many Cheval Blancs, it has the uncanny ability to put on weight in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted 1/98

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/1993

I clearly underrated the 1985, which has improved significantly in the bottle. The dark garnet color with no signs of amber is followed by an explosive bouquet offering blackcurrant, truffle, herb, and licorice scents. Opulent and layered, with lavish amounts of succulent fruit, this medium to full-bodied wine is showing well. The finish is long and deep. Anticipated maturity: Now-2006. Last tasted, 6/93.