Lafite Rothschild 1985

A week after tasting it from bottle, I re-tasted the 1985 Lafite-Rothschild from imperial. This has greater purity on the nose, perhaps less sauvage with vivacious red fruit, though cedar and allspice traits still come through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with those same pliant tannins that lend this First Growth such fluidity. This is not powerful—it is Lafite not Latour—but it is beautifully balanced with hints of black truffle and pencil shavings towards the finish. The 1985 is utterly charming and drinking beautifully. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner in Bordeaux. Drink 2025-2045.

Winemaker Eric Kohler told me that the 1985 Lafite-Rothschild suffered blockage due to summer heat. This ex-château bottle has a lovely nose with melted dark chocolate, underbrush, cedar and allspice mixed into the mature red fruit, just a tiny bit sauvage. The palate is medium-bodied and quite savoury on the mid-palate, with supple tannins, dried blood and truffle interwoven into black fruit. Supple towards the finish with a slight piquancy, this is not mind-blowingly complex but brims over with charm. Drinking perfectly now. Tasted at Duhart-Milon in Pauillac. Drink 2025-2045.