"Tasted from an Imperiale at the Claret Club -85 Dinner at -The Square-. Interesting this: one of the best -85s but rendered far more reticent and backward in this large Imperiale format. It does have a gorgeous nose if you can wait for an hour and even so, much more generous and expressive than Lafite -85. Touches of pencil box, redcurrant and black truffle here. The palate is tannic, full-bodied and masculine, easing up with aeration, beautifully poised with a touch of black tea and tobacco towards the finish. This seems to be 10-years behind the regular bottle format!" -Robert Parker
Decanter
D93
"The customary glamour of Mouton is on display here, with softened but welcoming blackberry, bilberry and raspberry fruits, still offering texture and juice through the palate. This is matched by clove, cinnamon, caramel and smoke. Another era at Mouton, making this even more delightful to drink - Baron Philippe was still heading up the estate as he had since 1922, and would continue to until his death in 1988, making this his 63rd vintage, and the legendary Raoul Blondin was cellarmaster (he oversaw 60 vintages before his eventual retirement in 1989). 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Paul Delvaux label. Harvest September 26 to October 11."
