1985 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
The 1985 Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru shows a fair bit of bricking on the rim, yet the bouquet is simply glorious, typical of 1985, with pure red fruit, orange pith, wilted rose petals and even a faint honey-like scent, all delivered with perfect delineation. Wonderful! The palate is beautifully balanced with a slightly savory, licorice-like tincture, gaining weight toward the finish with a lovely spiciness on the finish. Now this is an outstanding Clos de la Roche that is still firing on all cylinders. Outstanding. Tasted at Ponsot's 150th anniversary vertical at the Domaine.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ponsot's 1985 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvée Vieilles Vignes commands such a premium on the market for a reason: it's one of the estate's greatest vintages of the modern era and one where the connection with the great old wines of yesteryear is especially tangible. I vacillate between preferring the somewhat more brooding, primordial 1980 and the more lifted, ethereal 1985; but comparisons aside, the latter is unquestionably a profound Burgundy, offering up a striking bouquet of rose petals, orange oil, sweet summer fruit compote, musk and violets. Full-bodied, ample and sensual, it's seamless and enveloping, with a pure core of fruit, melted tannins and a long, sweet finish.
This bottle of Ponsot’s 1985 Clos de la Roche wasn’t the finest I have tasted, but the wine still revealed plenty of candied cherries in an enveloping, generous style.
The 1985 Clos de la Roche revealed a little more nuance than the 1990 if not quite the generosity of that wine. It too was completely engaging in its expression of ripe fruit, herbs and spices.
About the producer
Domaine Ponsot is one of the most well-known estates in the Côte de Nuits, famed for owning three of the original four hectares of the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. The legendary domaine also produces another nine Grand Cru cuvées.