Vinous (99)

It’s almost impossible to imagine that the 1985 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica has just celebrated its thirty-sixth birthday. It displays a brilliant ruby red color and amazing clarity in the glass, with only the slightest bricking around the rim. The bouquet alone is enough to keep you at the edge of your seat, as if opening a cedar treasure box to find dusty rose and sour cherry offset by spiced orange, crushed dried sage and just the slightest hint of animal musk. This is total class, cool-toned and poised, seeming to hover across the palate with an air of red inner florals, as tart woodland berries mix with hints of black tea and lemon oils. There’s a bolt of nervous acidity that keeps the experience remarkably fresh, but also adds a highly attractive sweet and sour note. And finally, while structured and youthful in feel, it finishes completely fresh, vibrant even, with dried currants enlivened by nuances of grapefruit and mint that linger on and on. This is an experience wine in every sense of the word, hailing from a dry and warm harvest yet exemplifying the purity of Sangiovese, as well as its ability to mature for well over three decades. The 1985 La Storica comes directly from the winery’s aging vault, and it was reconditioned with a new cork in 2000.

Experience the remarkable Chateau d'Avrille Coteaux de l'Aubance 1989, a manifestation of an exceptional vintage year. This distinct wine from the famed Loire Valley in France boasts the distinctive offering from Chateau d'Avrille, a testament to their meticulous approach to viniculture.

Produced in the small and specialised Coteaux de l'Aubance region, this luscious golden-hued dessert wine is steeped in tradition. The grapes are selectively hand-picked, ensuring only the ripest become part of this tasteful blend. Fermentation in traditional oak barrels develops an exquisite, complex taste.

Renowned for its balance, the Chateau d'Avrille Coteaux de l'Aubance 1989 offers myriad flavours of candied fruit, honey, and gentle spices. Artfully matured for over three decades, it sings a rich, haunting melody on the palate. A classic embodiment of a fine dessert wine, this bottle encapsulates the prestigious history of the Chateau d'Avrille estate.

Immerse yourself in the luxury of the Dalwhinnie Speyside Highland Single Malt Special Release 30YO Bottled 2020 1989, boasting a heritage steeped in Scottish tradition. This fine malt is synonymous with the Dalwhinnie distillery, nestled within the ruggedness of Scotland's highest and coldest malt distillery. The charm of Speyside makes its presence known in the spirit's character, with tones reminiscent of heather honey, citrus fruits and a hint of wood smoke.

This single malt whisky is a testament to three decades of meticulous craftsmanship. Each bottle is the reflection of the tranquillity and purity of Speyside, matured in refill hogsheads and butts. The authenticity of the Dalwhinnie Speyside Highland Single Malt Special Release 30YO Bottled 2020 1989 is indisputable - each limited-edition bottle a unique story portraying an era that dates back to 1989. An exemplar of perfected whisky craft, it's a bottled testament to Dalwhinnie's commitment to quality and sophistication.

Wine Spectator (98)

Shows the ultraripe, exotic notes characteristic of the vintage, with roasted plum, tobacco and spicy flavors. It's beginning to evolve, but needs until 2000 to really come together.--Latour vertical.

A unique pre-bottling limited time offering of one of the most legendary distilleries on earth, bottled by world-class independent bottlers, Samaroli. This Macallan has been (and currently still is) slumbering patiently in a single sherry cask since 1989 and will be bottled in an extremely limited run this February.

Experience the exceptional maturity of the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985, a captivating product of fine French winemaking. Crafted by esteemed viticulturists at Maison Rolet Père & Fils, this delectable vintage originates from the Arbois appellation in Jura. This verdant region is esteemed for its unique soil composition and microclimate that cultivate distinct aromatic profiles in its wines.

Handpicked from mature vines, the Pinot Noir grapes have been nurtured on marl and limestone slopes, imparting a minerality that balances the wine's robust fruit character. After a prolonged maceration, the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985 underwent a barrel aging process, enhancing the wine's complexity and depth of flavour.

With earthy notes of wild strawberry and sour cherry playing off subtle hints of vanilla and spice, this wine embodies the supreme craftsmanship synonymous with Rolet. Indulge in the sensory journey that is the Rolet Arbois Pinot Noir 1985.

Embodying elegance and grace, Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985 is a delectable vintage hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Rolet Père et Fils. Situated in the heart of France's Jura region, this esteemed producer crafts exquisite wines that truly encapsulate the rich terroir. The Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985, specifically, shines with complexity and depth.

This wine features alluring characteristics of the noble Trousseau grape, delivering a subtle red fruit profile with an undercurrent of spice. Raised using traditional winemaking techniques, the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985 demonstrates considerable balance and structure, achieved through meticulous vinification. Ensuing from a superior growing season with favourable climatic conditions, 1985 was an impeccable year for Jura reds.

Renowned for their intricate nurturing of the vineyards, Rolet Père et Fils's commitment shines through in this exceptional Trousseau. Indulge in the remarkable sophistication of the Rolet Arbois Trousseau 1985, an undeniable testament to world-class French winemaking.

Vinous (89)

Medium red with a hint of brown. Evolved, balsamic aromas of currant, black tea and coffee grounds. Still some fruit left, as well as a brown sugar sweetness, with strong juicy acidity and firm tannins keeping the wine alive.

Wine Advocate (94)

The 1989 Vieux Château Certan has long been one of my favorite wines of that decade. The bouquet shows no signs of relinquishing that title with gorgeous black truffle, bay leaf, warm gravel and briary scents that are simply beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity, warm earth on the entry, leather and truffle, great depth here with sublime precision on the finish, which is bridled with hints of mushroom and cloves. Maybe this is reaching its peak? Then again, it shows absolutely no signs of reaching the end of its plateau. This is nothing short of a wondrous Pomerol from Alexandre Thienpont. Tasted January 2016.