1985 Margaux

While not as powerful and concentrated as the 1986, 1983, or 1982, the 1985 Margaux is more charming and, at present, more complex than those more backward vintages. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple. The seductive nose offers copious quantities of lavishly ripe black berry and cassis fruit intermixed with toasty oak and floral scents. This rich, expansive, and velvety-textured wine has developed more length, and additional flavor dimensions over the last several years. It has always been a remarkably approachable and enjoyable wine, but it appears to be taking on more character and quality than I ever imagined. It is one of the most delicious and seductively opulent Margauxs of the last two decades. I consistently underestimated this wine when young. It gets better every time I re-taste it, which happens with increasing frequency. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted 10/97. Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1