I must confess that I felt disappointed by the 1985 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs. It was pretty but in a facile manner, missing the exuberance and panache that the best '85s possess. That said, it does improve in the glass. The nose is pretty with tart red cherries and fresh strawberry: an "airy" bouquet without significant depth. The palate is likewise very well balanced and perhaps missing the substance you might have expected, yet with time you begin to appreciate the sensual nature of this Volnay. Yes, it feels a little slight compared to other '85s but there is energy and harmony here. It's just not the astonishing success that it might have been.