Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1985

Ratings on Delectable

Delectable Wine Delectable Pro

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The 1985 Lafite-Rothschild is only a modest success in the context of the vintage. Here, it is totally outclassed by the 1985 Las Cases. Light, slightly loose-knit red berry fruit on the nose is complemented by warm gravel and smoky aromas, though it lacks a bit of energy. The palate is nicely balanced, not powerful but focused, with adequate freshness. As mentioned in my previous tasting note, this has dispensed with some density in recent years, and if your expectations are modest, it remains enjoyable. Tasted at Hameau de Barbaron in Burgundy. (Neal Martin Vinous, December 2019)

The 1985 Lafite-Rothschild is only a modest success in the context of the vintage. Here, it is totally outclassed by the 1985 Las Cases. Light, slightly loose-knit red berry fruit on the nose is complemented by warm gravel and smoky aromas, though it lacks a bit of energy. The palate is nicely balanced, not powerful but focused, with adequate freshness. As mentioned in my previous tasting note, this has dispensed with some density in recent years, and if your expectations are modest, it remains enjoyable. Tasted at Hameau de Barbaron in Burgundy. (Neal Martin Vinous, December 2019)

9.3

Kevin Ortzman Delectable Pro

Dirt and tree bark on the nose, reasonably balanced for it's age with a longer than expected sour cherry finish.

Dirt and tree bark on the nose, reasonably balanced for it's age with a longer than expected sour cherry finish.

9.1

Steve Matthiasson Delectable Pro

Owner/Winemaker Matthiasson Wines

Impeccable wine. On point. There is no doubt that the vineyards are great and the team was top notch.

Impeccable wine. On point. There is no doubt that the vineyards are great and the team was top notch.

9.5

Kevin Ortzman Delectable Pro

Did a side by side with Petrus (I know, I was slumming tonight). Petrus held better on the finish, Lafite more appealing on the initial nose, but faded quickly. Overall, the win goes to Petrus.

Did a side by side with Petrus (I know, I was slumming tonight). Petrus held better on the finish, Lafite more appealing on the initial nose, but faded quickly. Overall, the win goes to Petrus.

8.7

Megan Stockton Delectable Pro

Great to try a piece of history. Fruit has receded a bit and secondary notes are coming through. A bit of tobacco and cigar box-classic.

Great to try a piece of history. Fruit has receded a bit and secondary notes are coming through. A bit of tobacco and cigar box-classic.

9.0

Kevin Ortzman Delectable Pro

Slightly thin, musty and metallic on the finish (perhaps storage was challenged)

Slightly thin, musty and metallic on the finish (perhaps storage was challenged)

8.7

Doug Kahn Delectable Pro

Magnum

Magnum

9.6

Paul Lysek Delectable Pro

Sommelier at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, & Stone Crab

Amazing. Drinking remarkably young. Much life left in this bottle indeed.

Amazing. Drinking remarkably young. Much life left in this bottle indeed.

10

Karina Cisneros Delectable Pro

This was truly beautiful!

This was truly beautiful!

10

France Posener Delectable Pro

Served in magnum and its elegance mineralogy and soft fruit revealed a life well aged. Lovely way to end the nantucket wine festival at La Fete

Served in magnum and its elegance mineralogy and soft fruit revealed a life well aged. Lovely way to end the nantucket wine festival at La Fete

9.5

Location

  • 401 N Great Neck Rd 118
    Virginia Beach, VA 23454

  • Hours:
    9-5 Monday - Friday
    10 - 2 Saturday
    Closed Sunday

WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.