Stephen Tanzer's IWC
Moderately saturated medium red. Maturing aromas of grilled game, smoke and vanilla, along with a lively floral nuance. Sweet, bright red fruit flavors supported by sound acidity. Has more vivacity than all but the finest 1985 Burgundies. Chave says this is just embarking on its plane of peak drinkability and will become even suppler with more bottle age, but I'd drink it over the next several years for its freshness and fruit.
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
It seems without question that Chave produced the best red Hermitage of this vintage. His 1985 avoids the over-supple style of some of the other reds of this vintage. Perhaps similar to the 1982, the 1985 is a voluptuous wine with deep cassis fruit, plenty of body, excellent concentration, and good tannins. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005.
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