Bottle Condition: Minor label damage; minor label stains; fill level just below base of neck.
Overview
A mature First Growth Pauillac from an exceptionally dry, sunny vintage, the 1985 Château Mouton Rothschild combines Cabernet-led structure with the richness and generosity associated with the estate. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, matured for 18 months in 100% new French oak. Critical highlights include 95 points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate and 93 points from Decanter.
Vintage
January was exceptionally cold, followed by further cold conditions in February. The season became milder from March, with flowering taking place in June. Fine weather arrived in July before drought conditions developed in August, during which only two days of rain were recorded. With exceptional sunshine, 1985 was the driest year on record. Fine conditions continued into harvest, which ran from 26 September to 11 October.
Vineyard
Château Mouton Rothschild's vineyard is predominantly situated on the Plateau de Mouton, a hill rising to approximately 27 metres above sea level and characterised by very deep gravel soils. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety and provides the tannic structure, aromatic intensity and ageing capacity at the heart of Mouton's style.
Winemaking
The 1985 vintage was matured for 18 months in barrels, 100% new French oak.
Producer Tasting Notes
Château Mouton Rothschild: “The wine has an intense red colour, just beginning to show signs of age, and a nose that reveals ripe fruit aromas of blackberry, bilberry and blackcurrant, along with touches of mint, incense, vanilla and cocoa. The attack is round and smooth, on thoroughly integrated tannins, while the full and generous body displays caramel and ripe fruit flavours, leading into a long finish on notes of spice.”
Critic Reviews
95 Points — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Tasted July 2008
93 Points — Decanter
Tasted February 2021
Drinking Window: 2021–2036.
90 Points — The Wine Independent
Tasted November 2025
Drinking Window: 2025–2030.
Label Artwork
The 1985 label features artwork by Belgian artist Paul Delvaux (1897–1994), known for his enigmatic, dream-like imagery and association with Belgian Surrealism.
Specifications
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Vintage: 1985
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Producer: Château Mouton Rothschild
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Grape Varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
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Region: Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
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Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé
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Alcohol: 13%
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Sweetness: Dry
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Maturation: 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels
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Winemaker: Patrick Léon
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Harvest: 26 September–11 October 1985
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Drinking Window: 2025–2030
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Label Artist: Paul Delvaux
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Condition: Minor label damage; minor label stains; fill level just below base of neck
