93 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 1992

Last Tasted 8/92 The 1985 is another example of how Haut-Brion appears to gain character in the bottle. From cask it was delicious, but hardly dazzling. After bottling, the wine's intense bouquet of sweet fruit, spices, minerals, and smoky, earthy scents has become more flamboyant. In addition to those compelling aromas, the wine now exhibits an even more generous richness, medium to full body, as well as elegance and finesse. This supple, delicious wine can be drunk now, but it promises to age for another 15 or more years. An extremely seductive Haut Brion, while it lacks the power of the 1986 and the sheer drama of the 1989, it may be the most classic expression of Haut Brion produced in the eighties.

94 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 1998

This has always been one of the more seductive, savory, complex Haut-Brions of the eighties. My notes have always suggested that it is the quintessentially elegant, finesse-styled Haut-Brion. The color remains a deep ruby/purple with slight lightening at the edge. The knock-out nose of intense jammy black fruits, smoke, cedar, herbs, and new oak is followed by a generously concentrated, rich, gorgeously proportioned and layered Haut-Brion with no hard edges. Everything - alcohol, acidity, tannin - is beautifully integrated into the seamless personality of the 1985. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted 10/97

93 points,

Wine Spectator, April 1997

Supple, harmonious, cascading with beautifully balanced fruit, spice and earthy tobacco notes. Not a powerhouse, but very fine and delicious to drink now. Should keep growing for five to 10 years.--Haut-Brion vertical. –HS

About Winery

Chateau Haut-Brion boasts a much more historic tradition as it is believed that grapes have been grown on the property since Roman times. However, the first true written record of Haut-Brion dates back to 1525 when Jean de Pontac married Jeanne de Bellon who brought him the dowry of the land that composes Haut-Brion. Chateau Haut-Brion also appeared in writing as a First Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

Haut-Brion has a truly illustrious past.  It is the first recorded First Growth to be imported into the United States when Thomas Jefferson purchased six cases and took them back to Monticello. Haut-Brion was also the first of the great growths to use stainless steel fermentation vats. The greatness of Haut-Brion wines was also recorded by Samuel Pepys, John Locke, and Cardinal Richelieu.  Its 1970s vintage placed fourth in the Judgement of Paris wine competition.  Haut-Brion remains quite the celebrity of the winemaking world and its wines continue to be highly rated and coveted across the globe.

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