Tertre Rôteboeuf 1985

Tasted blind in Bordeaux, the 1985 Château Le Tertre-Rôteboeuf has evolved into quite a stunning manifestation of everything great about François Mitjavile's property. Clear ruby in color, the bouquet is entrancing straight from the off, almost like a Vosne-Romanée grand cru in terms of its purity: small red cherries, kirsch, rose petals and a touch of warm gravel. The palate is beautifully balanced and typically for a 1985, its texture is captivating, velvety smooth and sensual. It just glides across the palate and caresses the senses until you are in the palm of its hand. Probably at its peak at 30 years of age, yet showing no sign of waning, enjoy this glorious Saint Emilion over the next few years. Drink: 2015 - 2030.

Blackish ruby. Very pale rim. Vegy savour on the nose and then lovely freshness and sweetness. Remarkably vigorous for its age and relatively low alcohol (on the label anyway). Medicinal nose; brooding sweetness. Very satisfying. Wonderfully rich and concentrated still.