1985 Italy

A high quality vintage throughout most of Italy, with Tuscany in particular producing arguably its greatest wines of the decade. Weather conditions in Piedmont and Tuscany were broadly similar - a cold winter followed by a warm and dry spring and then rather uneven weather throughout much of July and August. Sunny, warm weather throughout most of September and early October lead to physiologically ripe grapes being harvested.

In Piedmont rich, ripe, concentrated wines of considerable stature were produced with the finest examples found in Barolo. In Tuscany the wines are even riper yet display impeccable balance - the finest wines (which were generally the Brunellos di Montalcino and the 'Super Tuscans') are concentrated and harmonious and are now at their peak.