1985 Château Haut-Bages-Libéral
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The dense, chunky 1985 now exhibits some ruby at the rim. It remains a rich, full-bodied wine with impressive extract and a powerful, long, ripe finish. What it lacks in elegance/finesse, it makes up for in power and body. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 3/02.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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The dense, chunky 1985 now exhibits some ruby at the rim. It remains a rich, full-bodied wine with impressive extract and a powerful, long, ripe finish. What it lacks in elegance/finesse, it makes up for in power and body. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 3/02. Jan 2003, www.robertparker.com
The 1985 Haut-Bages Libéral has a very elegant bouquet with subtle red berry fruit, briar and light scents of green bell pepper. I wonder if they achieved full ripeness at that time? The palate is earthy on the entry yet fresh and poised with fine tannins. This is not fleshy like some of its peers in this vintage, but reassuringly long and tender. The 1985 is drinking perfectly now. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner in Bordeaux.