1985 Vintage: General Appreciation
Like a number of top vintages, 1985 suffered late flowering due to cold spring weather. By the start of August there were drought conditions and even some hail but from the start of September, almost continuous sunshine. 1985 ended up being one of the top vintages of modern time producing some classic whites and rich, succulent reds.
Red Wines
The reds in general were beautifully ripe with rich fruits and round, generous, silky textures. At the time these was a concern over the tannins  in terms of them softening too early and naturally low acidity, suggesting that the 85’s may be early drinkers.  In their youth they were succulent and packed with layers of fruits however, even now, many have shown no undue sign of ageing and the top wines are still drinking well now.
White Wines
The 85 whites have some big supporter and those that believe the wines were somewhat inconsistent. The wines were exceptionally ripe, broad and full of fruit but many lacked sufficient acidity for enjoying a truly long life though, one or two of the best have survived in good order.

 

Best Red Wines of the Vintage

Red Wines of the Vintage
Gevrey Chambertin: Chambertin (Rousseau), Chambertin Clos de Bèze (Faiveley), Chambertin Clos de Bèze (Jadot), Charmes Chambertin (Dujac),Gevrey Chambertin Clos Saint Jacques (Rousseau), Griotte Chambertin (Ponsot), Ruchottes Chambertin (Georges Mugneret), Ruchottes Chambertin (Christophe Roumier), Ruchottes Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes (Rousseau)

Morey Saint Denis: Clos de la Roche (Dujac), Clos de la Roche (Hubert Lignier), Clos de la Roche (Ponsot), Clos Saint Denis (Dujac), Clos  de Tart (Mommessin)

Chambolle Musigny: Bonnes Mares (Dujac), Bonnes Mares (Vogüé), Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses (Drouhin),Chambolle Musigny Les Amoureuses (Jadot), Musigny (Drouhin), Musigny (Jadot)

Vougeot: Clos Vougeot (Maison Leroy)

Vosne Romanée: Échezeaux (Dujac), Échezeaux (Georges Mugneret), Vosne Romanée Les Beaumonts (Drouhin), Vosne Romanée Les Suchots (Arnoux)

Nuits Saint Georges: Nuits Saint Georges Les Vaucrains (Chevillon)

Aloxe Corton: Corton Pougets (Jadot)

Pommard: Pommard Les Rugiens (de Courcel)

Volnay: Volnay Clos de la Bousse d’Or (Pousse d’Or), Volnay Clos des Ducs (Marquis d’Angerville), Volnay Les Caillerets Clos des 60 Ouvrées (Pousse d’Or), Volnay Champans (de Montille)

Best White Wines of the Vintage

White Wines of the Vintage
Morey Saint Denis: Morey saint Denis Monts Luisants Blanc (Ponsot)

Corton/Pernand Vergelesses: Corton Charlemagne (Bonneau du Martray)

Meursault: Meursault Clos de la Barre (Lafon), Meursault Les Perrieres (Coche Dury)

Puligny Montrachet: Bienvenues Batard Montrachet (Louis Carillon), Bienvenues Batard Montrachet (Domaine Leflaive), Chevalier Montrachet (Domaine Leflaive), Montrachet (Marquis de Laguiche/Drouhin), Montrachet (Ramonet), Montrachet (DRC), Puligny Montrachet Les Pucelles (Leflaive)

Chassagne Montrachet: Batard Montrachet (Ramonet), Montrachet (Ramonet)