1985 Lafite Rothschild

A week after tasting it from bottle, I re-tasted the 1985 Lafite-Rothschild from imperial. This has greater purity on the nose, perhaps less sauvage with vivacious red fruit, though cedar and allspice traits still come through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with those same pliant tannins that lend this First Growth such fluidity. This is not powerful—it is Lafite not Latour—but it is beautifully balanced with hints of black truffle and pencil shavings towards the finish. The 1985 is utterly charming and drinking beautifully. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner in Bordeaux.