Palate
At Château Palmer, 1985 is a very intense and silky vintage. It is round and classic. The tannins are fine and its finish is fresh.
Growing Conditions
Classically good. In 1985, good weather arrived after a cold winter and wet spring. Early on, it was touch and go for the grapes’ optimal development. But by late October, they were ripe and healthy, with supple tannins and low acidity. Perfect conditions for guaranteeing a faithful expression of Château Palmer’s terroir.
1985 is an elegant vintage. It was an abundant year that gives a very classic example of the terroirs of Bordeaux, with well-balanced and harmonious wines, often compared to those of 1953. The year began with a cold month of January, causing damage in some vineyards. February, mild and pleasant, came as a welcome change. March was chilly for the season and the spring weather, warm and sunny, only really arrived on March 31st. The vines started to grow around April 3rd. Early May was still beautiful and the vines developed quickly. Damage due to January’s Siberian cold spell was recorded across some other vineyards. Subsequently, the weather worsened over the next few weeks until a beautiful sun appeared for the flowering period, which took place under perfect conditions. The summer was mild and continued on until the end of October, allowing for excellent véraison and optimal ripening, with an unusual time lapse between the Merlot and the Cabernet Sauvignon. July was hot with rainy spells. August was cooler but
dry and September enjoyed record dryness and heat.
Harvest
The warm weather persisted throughout October, allowing ripe and healthy grapes with soft, well-melted tannins and low acidity to be harvested.
