Château Haut-Brion 1985 - Elysee Palace Cellar
Tasting notes for the Château Haut-Brion 1985
- EYE: The wine reveals a deep ruby color, evoking the intensity and concentration of the 1985 vintage. Bright reflections edge the contours of the glass, hinting at a certain liveliness despite the passing years.
- NOSE: The nose of this iconic vintage presents a complex array of aromas. Notes of ripe black fruits, such as blackcurrant and blackberry, are perfectly balanced with accents of tobacco, leather, and undergrowth, showcasing evolution and depth. Hints of licorice, black pepper, and subtle smoky notes add a spicy and refined dimension to the ensemble.
- MOUTH: On the palate, this Haut-Brion unfolds with richness and a velvety texture. The flavors of black fruits are both generous and harmonious, accompanied by nuances of coffee, cocoa, and spicy notes. The tannins, though mature, maintain a firm structure that brings pleasing depth. The finish is long, leaving a lingering impression of black fruits and spices.
In short: This Château Haut-Brion 1985 comes from the Caves de l'Élysée. It is an iconic mature wine that continues to captivate today with its depth and complexity. The intense ruby robe announces a bouquet of subtle aromas, ranging from ripe black fruits to spicy and smoky notes. On the palate, the richness of flavors is beautifully balanced by well-integrated tannins, offering a finely textured gustatory experience. This wine pairs ideally with a variety of dishes, such as roast beef, duck breast, rack of lamb, grilled pork chops, or mushroom risotto. Endowed with an exceptional aging potential, it can be cellared for another 5 to 10 years to reach its peak.
Other appellations from this estate: Château Haut-Brion Rouge, Château Haut-Brion Blanc, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion Rouge, Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion, La Clarté de Haut-Brion...
Data sheet
- Vintage
- 1985
- Detail
- Cave du Palais de l'Elysée
- Parker Rating
- 93/100
- Format
- 75 cl
- Color
- Red Wine
- Appellation
- Pessac-Léognan
- Region
- Bordeaux, Graves
- Producer
- Château Haut-Brion
- Best vintages
- 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1979, 1978, 1976, 1975, 1971, 1966, 1964, 1962, 1961, 1959, 1957, 1955, 1949
- Serving T°
- 16°-18°C

Iconic wine estate in Bordeaux
Château Haut-Brion, located in the Graves region, is the ancestor of all the grands crus. The story begins in 1525, when Jean de Pontac, officer of the Bordeaux Parliament, acquired Haut-Brion. Jean de Pontac and his descendants succeeded in producing a new type of wine, well known in England under the name of "New French Claret".
This wine was met with great success, although it was Count Joseph de Fumel, a De Pontac descendant, who brought fame and glory to the estate in the 18th century. After the revolution the estate passed from hand to hand, to arrive in 1935 in the hands of Clarence Dillon, an American financier, wine lover. The castle is still in the family, it is now run by his grandson, the Prince Robert of Luxembourg.
The vineyard covers an area of 48 ha, is located on the outskirts of the city of Bordeaux. The vineyard is planted on gravelly soils with clay subsoil. The vineyard is composed of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. A small area of less than 3 ha is planted to 52% in Semillon, 47% in Sauvignon and in 1% Petit Verdot.
Discover the wines from Château Haut-Brion.