The 1985 Cheval Blanc has always been one of the most seductive of releases from the estate during that decade. Here it has that unmistakable highly perfumed bouquet with red berry fruit meddling with sandalwood, leather, briary and dried rose petals.

It gains intensity in the glass, blossoms as the minutes go by. Perhaps here the fruit is more pure than the 1983 Cheval Blanc, more vivid. The palate is medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, underpinned by expressive Cabernet Franc that drives this along.