What an awe-inspiring nose of currants, shaved lead pencil, white truffles and earth. It's full-bodied enveloped by silky tannins and leading to an earthy and long finish. Old, traditional Bordeaux with soul and remarkable complexity. Sensational. Drink now.

I know that I am in the minority, but at the present time, I much prefer the quality of the utterly classic 1985 Mouton to the highly regarded, but rather dense and recalcitrant 1986. There is a purity, complexity and classic profile to the 1985 Mouton that is yet to show itself in the much more powerfully constructed 1986, and which may never emerge from that much more extracted wine. Out of magnum, the 1985 Mouton is stunning and still a tad on the young side, soaring from the glass in a blaze of cassis, tobacco leaf, gravelly soil tones, a touch of coffee, fresh herbs and a very stylish base of smoky new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and impressively complex, with a fine core of fruit, moderate tannins and outstanding length and grip on the very poised and classy finish. Out of magnum this is still a fairly young wine. 94+

The customary glamour of Mouton is on display here, with softened but welcoming blackberry, bilberry and raspberry fruits, still offering texture and juice through the palate. This is matched by clove, cinnamon, caramel and smoke. Another era at Mouton, making this even more delightful to drink - Baron Philippe was still heading up the estate as he had since 1922, and would continue to until his death in 1988, making this his 63rd vintage, and the legendary Raoul Blondin was cellarmaster (he oversaw 60 vintages before his eventual retirement in 1989). 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Paul Delvaux label. Harvest September 26 to October 11.

1985 Château Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac) 93 fully mature, the wine is medium/full bodied, with a fresh, sweet, cassis, cherry, tobacco, spice and green leafy profile. Soft, polished and deceptively easy to drink, there is no reason not to be drinking your bottles, as this is not going to get better from here. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=1985&wine=Chateau%20Mouton%20Rothschild

The 1985 Mouton Rothschild has a strong peppermint/eucalyptus-scented nose that, in this case, occludes the terroir and fruit profile. Perhaps this might have dissipated with longer aeration. The palate is sweeter than the accompanying 1985 Latour, plush and opulent in the style of the 1982, but without the same grandeur or complexity when that vintage is "on." Maybe a little garish? Pleasurable in an Antipodean Cabernet kinda way. Tasted at the 1985 dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair. -- Neal Martin