1985 Cheval Blanc

BY NEAL MARTIN&nbsp;|&nbsp;SEPTEMBER 23, 2024It has been several years since I last tasted the 1985
Cheval Blanc. When this was poured, a guest enquired whether I liked it, to
which I replied: “It’s Cheval Blanc…It’s 1985…Of course!” <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.vinous.com/uploads%2F1726860916129-CF+-+1985+Cheval+Blanc_copy+%281%29.jpg">Now, approaching four decades old, I suspect the 1985 will
not improve further, except in a larger format. This bottle shows minor
degradation in color on the rim, just light bricking. The bouquet bursts from
the glass: dark berry compote, iron filings, shavings of black truffle and
brown leaves, becoming more savory as it blossoms in the glass. There’s real
depth to the aromatics, which are irresistible. The palate has recently
dispensed with some of its backbone as the tannins polymerize, rendering it a
tad looser knit than prior examples. Ferrous red fruit, hints of soy, dried fig
and just the faintest brush of curry leaf on the finish. This is “old school”
Saint-Émilion in all its glory. There’s no excuse not to crack open a bottle in
your cellar if you are lucky enough to have one. 95/Drink 2024-2046. © 2024, Vinous. No portion of this article may be copied, shared or re-distributed without prior consent from Vinous. Doing so is not only a violation of our copyright, but also threatens the survival of independent wine criticism.

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