Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1985 Château Palmer was clearly a favourite amongst the participants in the tasting, although here I actually concur with Robert Parker - it's a pleasant Margaux, but not the most complex wine of the vintage. You get the feeling that it doesn't fire on all cylinders. It has an appealing bacon fact and savory bouquet - a little smudged, but full of charm. The palate is fleshy on the entry, perhaps here with a touch of brettanomyces, the acidity nicely judged with expressive Merlot defining the finish. It does not "take off" as the greatest 1985s are wont to do, yet you would contentedly polish off a bottle, seduced by its easy-going nature. Tasted May 2015.

Very rich and concentrated with layers of plum, cassis and currant flavors and woody, mahogany flavors. It's a bit clumsy at this stage but everything 's in place for long-term aging.

Light in color, the perfume offered tobacco, truffle, forest, cherry, smoke and cigar box scents. Soft and seductive, this fully mature, soft, medium bodied, refined, charming vintage of Palmer will not improve from here. The wine was made from a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The harvest took place from September 30 to October 13. Tasted March 2012

A somewhat diffuse, open-knit, easygoing Palmer, with plenty of amber to its dark garnet color, the 1985 Palmer has reached full maturity. Low acidity, sweet cherry, plum and currant fruit intermixed with some licorice, mushroom, and damp earth jumps from the glass of this medium-weight, very fragrant, fruity wine. It lacks the concentration as well as length to be great, but it is a very seductive wine, as are so many 1985s. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 5/02.

Some frost in 1985 but not at Palmer. Cold winter and early spring. Then very good weather. Sunny and hot after flowering. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot.
Deep brick-rimmed garnet. Bright and healthy. Plenty of leather and old furniture and undergrowth but still has a fine floral note – a violet fragrance – as well as the headiness of dark fruit in alcohol. An attractive note of dusty stones. Light lavender. Very perfumed. Touch of mint and cigar box and liquorice. Complex and fresh. On the palate, mouthwatering freshness, completely dissolved tannins and scented on the mid palate. Fine and long and really mouthwatering, Opens up to more capsicum on the nose and tobacco. Lots more liquorice on the finish. Going back at the end of the evening: meaty and gamey with aromas of truffles but in no way falling apart. Silky and fresh and lots of liquorice.
Julia Harding MW - Sept 2009