1985 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations: 
Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 1985 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 1985 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
1985 is unanimously regarded as a wonderful vintage for much of the wine world, especially in Europe.
Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône and Champagne all put out extraordinary vintages; some, like Champagne, are even regarded as a vintage of the decade. Safe to say, there should still be a wide range of 1985 French wine still drinking well today, particularly long-lived reds from the major growing regions. Italy was also exceptionally good. The Port vintage was universally declared and there will be many great Ports still drinking well today and quite likely for some time still to come.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
This Year in History: Fun Fact: Walt Disney World received its 200-millionth guest.
Eurovision Winner: Norway with the song " La Det Swinge" by Bobbysocks
Top Grossing Movie: Back to the Future
Bordeaux: The 1985 wine vintage produced examples that are characterised by being well developed, rich and having a seductive complexity with an attractive perfume. A drought for much of August and September led to concentrated grapes at harvest. The wines have now generally gone through the peak of their maturity and should be drunk within the next few years.
Italian: 1985 was an outstanding vintage for Italian wines, one of the best in the last 50 years for Piedmont and Tuscany. The vintage produced wines of great consistency, and the best wines should be great.
Portugal:
The 1985 is a great classic Port Vintage, with concentrated, rich and potent wines. The year was a general declaration of vintage, the majority of Houses judging it to be up to their high standards. 1985 was a model year for the growth of the vines: a wet winter followed by a moderate spring led into an extremely warm June and a hot July and August. The harvest took place under perfect weather conditions, and the fermentations went well also. From the very start shippers were predicting outstanding wines. The resulting ports are characterised as being forward with enormous structure, and staggering depth, dimension, and length. They are at the peak of their maturity and will remain so for another 10-15 years. Spain: 1985 was a near-perfect vintage for Spanish wines, with a warm summer and a perfect ripening season. The wines produced are generally easy-drinking wines of medium intensity. About 10% of wine went into Gran Reserva production.
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45 products found.
1985 Calem Vintage Port, 1985
Sale
Vintage Port In Wooden Presentation Box
Library Release
Special Offer | Was £119 | Now £89
The 1985 Cálem Vintage Port is an exceptional wine from one of Portugal’s most esteemed port houses. Founded in 1859, Cálem is celebrated for crafting ports that combine elegance, structure, and accessibility. The 1985 vintage, widely regarded as one of the greatest of the 20th century, showcases the house’s dedication to quality and its mastery of traditional winemaking.
The 1985 Vintage
The 1985 growing season in the Douro Valley was marked by near-perfect conditions, producing wines with exceptional ripeness, concentration, and balance. Declared by most major houses as a vintage year, the ports from 1985 are renowned for their rich fruit, firm structure, and extraordinary aging potential. …
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Price: $112.76 USD
Stock: 24 in Stock
1985 Porta dos Cavaleiros, 1985
Sale
Porta dos Cavaleiros, Dao
Special Offer | Was £89 | Now 69
Caves S. Joao, established in 1920, became a dominant force in Portuguese wine making in the early 20th century with their houses Porta dos Cavaleiros in Dao and Frei Joao in Bairrada. Given the shifting trends in consumer preferences, Bairrada and Dao fell to obscurity in the 1990s when critical influence drove the demand for bigger, extracted, warmer climate wines. As in all things, however, what comes around goes around! Sure enough, 20 years later savvy consumers and food-conscious sommeliers are looking for finesse and freshness and heading back to Bairrada and Dao. Wines that when young had a vegetal character, …
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Price: $87.42 USD
Stock: 119 in Stock
Maynard's Port
40 Year Old Tawny Port
in Decanter Gift
Multiple Award Winner
*** IWC Gold award Winner ***
*** 90 Points Decanter ***
*** 93 Points Wine Spectator ***
Rated as outstanding by Wine Spectator and receiving the International Wine Challenge gold award, this amazing 40-Year Tawny Port is now available again in the UK through VWP!
Named after the first established English Port wine shipper in Oporto, Walter Maynard, this blended aged port has matured in cask to perfection until it was bottled for us. Presented in its own gift box, this is a powerful port with complex nuttiness aromas in harmony with spicy notes, warm roasted coffee and cinnamon hints from the long contact with oak wood during the ageing process. …
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Price: $125.44 USD
Stock: 3 in Stock
Palmer Port
40 Year Old Tawny Port
Exclusive to Vintage Wine and Port
Tasting Notes: The Palmer 40 Year tawny is a careful blend of many traditional grape varieties from selected vineyards in various areas of the Douro Demarcated Region, patiently aged to resemble the taste of a port that was aged for 40 years in old oak casks. The 40 Year old has a pronounced aroma intensity that is very rich with nuts and baked cherry. There is further complexity of nutmeg and cream. On the palate the wine is very balanced between acidity and sweetness that gives a luxurious mouthfeel. Lovely richness of fruitcake, fig, baked plum, caramel and toffee. There are also notes of plum, cherry, cooked strawberry. …
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Price: $113.97 USD
Stock: 31 in Stock
Quevedo
40 Year Old Tawny port
*** 94 Points - Wine Advocate ***
*** 95 Points - Wine Enthusiast ***
The 40 year old Port combines the talent of 3 generations. João, Oscar Sr. and Cláudia combined their effort in the cellar to blend this balanced, intense and complex very old Tawny, pairing the concentration from Port wine aging in the Douro with the elegant style of Quevedo’s Tawny.
Produced using Hand-harvested, sustainable and dry farmed grapes, fermented in traditional Granite (vats) lagares. Aged and matured in seasoned chestnut casks and unfiltered.
Tasting notes
The colour is amber with green hints.
The aroma is a complex and intense expression with notes of citrus marmalade, dry fruits, nutmeg, marzipan and almond essence. …
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Price: $150.78 USD
Stock: 27 in Stock
Quinta da Devesa
40+ year old White Port in presentation box (50cl)
92 Points- Wine Advocate
Quinta da Devesa Port Wines are produced exclusively from lots vinified and aged in the estate. Since 1941, vintages considered of superior quality by the family winemakers, were kept and stored in wooden barrels in the winery cellars.
Learn more about Quinta da Devesa
Tasting Notes:
The NV 40 Year White Port is a field blend bottled in 2019 with a bar-top cork, 20% alcohol and 112 grams of sugar. It is mainly a blend this year of the 1967 and 1970 (although different casks than those used for the 1970 White Colheita this issue). …
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Price: $101.30 USD
Stock: 40 in Stock
Quinta da Devesa
40 year old Tawny Port in presentation box (75cl)
94 Points- Wine Advocate
This Port Wine is the result of a blend of aged wine from Quinta da Devesa, developed with noble grapes used in the Douro region, aged in wooden casks at the Quinta da Devesa cellars.
Learn more about Quinta da Devesa
Tasting Notes:
Clean, intense auburn. The aromas are very complex, with predominant notes of nuts and honey. Soft flavour and very velvety in the mouth.
40 Year Tawny Quinta da Devesa Technical Sheet
…
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Price: $112.76 USD
Stock: 36 in Stock
1985 Cantine Prandi Barolo, 1985
Sale
Cantine Prandi, Piedmont
Excellent provenance - Library Release
From the legendary 1985 vintage the Cantine Prandi Barolo have come from the Prandi cellars where they have laid undisturbed since bottling.
Cantine Prandi was established in the 1920s when grandfather Farinetti Majorino envisioned selling part of the wine produced for family use to the commercial market. In the 1960's his nephew Giovanni came to lend a hand and was instrumental in shaping the winery and its future development. Up to 2009, Giovanni's son Alessandro looked after the beautiful vineyards situated in the long hills surrounding Piemonte. In recent years, due to Alessandro's passing, the winery ceased production. …
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Price: $163.45 USD
Stock: 23 in Stock
Burmester, 1985
40 Year Old 'TORDIZ' Tawny Port, Douro | Presented In Gift Tube
UK Exclusive to VWP
*** 95 Points- Wine Advocate ***
*** Gold Medal at the 2015 International Wine Challenge ***
Bright brown colour, with greenish nuances. Presents a bouquet with intense aromas of dried fruits, delicate spices notes and a sweet touch of honey. In the taste it is full, unctuous and velvety. This wine overflows seduction and an enormous refinement. A feeling that is extended in the long and complex finish.
This 40-year-old wine owes its name, Tordiz, to the confluence of the Torto and Mendiz rivers. It is obtained from wines that have been carefully aged in small oak casks and later blended in a small upstanding oak vat dating from 1864. …
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Price: $176.12 USD
Stock: 6 in Stock
Kopke
40 Year Old White Port - Half Bottle 375ml in wooden presentation box
Kopke Port is the oldest port house. Established in 1638 by Nicolau Kopke and his son Cristiano, who came to Portugal as representatives of the Hanseatic League, the House has been run through the generations by several representatives of the Kopke family, obtaining an excellent reputation for its wines.
An extremely rare bottle of port that has been aged to resemble the taste of a 40 year old aged White Port. Please note that these are half bottles.
Review:
This Kopke 40 Years Old presents a blondish bright color and a fine and very complex nose, which features dried fruits such as figs and hazelnuts, some candied orange and velvety notes of honey and even citrus fruits. …
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Price: $112.76 USD
Stock: 5 in Stock
Messias
40 Year Old White Port
50cl in own gift tube
The Messias 40 Year Old White Port showcases a remarkable light amber colour with hints of mahogany. The nose unfolds with layers of complexity, offering rich aromas of caramelized nuts, and apricot, interwoven with delicate notes of vanilla bean and aged honey. On the palate, it’s an indulgent experience, with flavours of rich butterscotch, and toasted almonds. The wine’s age is evident in its silky texture and extraordinary depth, while a vibrant acidity provides balance and freshness. The finish is long and opulent, with a lingering sweetness and a touch of spice that leaves a memorable, luxurious impression. …
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Price: $113.97 USD
Stock: 26 in Stock
Messias
40 Year Old Tawny Port
***93 Points Mark Squires - Wine Advocate***
Very pale amber/tawny/orange colour. Fine and delicate aromas of hazelnuts and candied citrus. Quince marmalade character, delicate in style, with finesse and poise. Seemingly quite dry in style towards the finish (not as obviously rich as some here), and supremely refined.
Learn more about Messias
Learn more about 40-year-old tawny
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Price: $113.97 USD
Stock: 10 in Stock
Quinta Das Carvalhas
40 Year Old Tawny Port
** 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast **
The Quinta das Carvalhas 40 Year Old Tawny Port is not just a wine; it’s an experience. Whether you're gifting it to someone special or indulging in it yourself, this wine promises to deliver a memorable and luxurious tasting experience that reflects the very best of what the Douro Valley has to offer.
Tasting notes
Deep amber colour with a golden rim. A a luxurious blend of complex aromas, including hints of honey, nutmeg, vanilla, and subtle oak, all of which are indicative of its lengthy aging process. A 40 Year Old Tawny that boasts intense flavours of dried fruits like figs and apricots, alongside notes of toasted almonds, caramel, and rich spices. …
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Price: $150.78 USD
Stock: 45 in Stock
Barbaresco, 1985
Giordano
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Italy's north-western Piedmont region. This aristocratic red has its vineyards situated in the Langhe, on the right-hand side of the Tanaro river and extending from the area north-east of Alba to the communes of Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso. The dominant variety grown is Nebbiolo, but Dolcetto and Barbera also play a part. The vines are generally grown on limestone-rich marl soils. similar to the Tortonium soils of the Barolo and La Morra areas in Barolo. Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo and shares its cult status as one of the finest wines in the world. …
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Price: $150.78 USD
Stock: 3 in Stock
Barolo, 1985
Giordano, Piedmont
Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
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Price: $150.78 USD
Stock: 13 in Stock
Barolo, 1985
Valfieri , Piedmont
Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
Piedmont enjoyed an exceptional 1985 vintage
The year began with an extremely cold winter. Cool, crisp temperatures and snowfall prevailed throughout much of March and April. …
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Price: $125.44 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Barolo, 1985
Villadoria, Piedmont
Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
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Price: $125.44 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Barolo, 1985
Terre del Barolo - Riserva
Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
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Price: $163.45 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Bramaterra, 1985
Sella
Produced mainly with Nebbiolo grapes cultivated on the slopes of Monte Rosa, west of Gattinara, of medium aging, 2 years minimum, it comes from a knowledgeable use of aging wood. Of ruby color, complex scents of mature fruit and spices, fresh and austere body. It's suited for a medium/long aging.
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Price: $100.09 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Cabernet Sauvignon (I), 1985
di Ancarano, Castello di Acarano Vigevani
A classic red Italian wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The wine has aged to produce a garnet core with a clear rim. Lots of oak, leather and soft tannins remain.
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Price: $74.75 USD
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, 1985
Margaux
Third Growth. Troisieme Grand Cru Classe in 1855.
Château Boyd-Cantenac is a wine producer situated in the Margaux appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. The estate's Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant grand vin was awarded third growth status in the 1855 Classification of Médoc and Graves.
The history of the château dates back to 1754 when Jacques Boyd purchased the estate and gave his name to the vineyard. The Boyd family came to Bordeaux from Belfast in the 17th Century and were originally in the trade of commerce, international relations and emigration.
The estate was acquired by John Lewis Brown in 1806 and, after numerous changes in ownership, was later purchased by the current proprietors, the Guillemet family, in 1932. …
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Price: $125.44 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Gloria, 1985
St Julien Cru Borgeois
Excellent Provenance
Château Gloria, back in the days when Henri Martin was alive and still running the property, was always one of the most user-friendly wines out of the blocks and a very good value, though of course, not generally built for the long haul. I was happy to see how well the 1985 Gloria continues to drink, with its wide open personality still quite enjoyable and showing no signs of imminent decline. The wine offers up a pretty nose of red and black cherries, cigar ash, a nice touch of soil and a gentle topnote of crushed violets. On the palate the wine is fullish, plush and nicely balanced, with melted tannins, fine focus and a long, juicy and very pleasing finish. …
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Price: $163.45 USD
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Talbot, 1985
St Julien, 4me Cru Classe
The 1985 Chateau Talbot is from a great vintage. An amazing wine that had aged very well, complex flavors of underbrush, wet forest floor, plenty of fruit and velvety lush tannins.
Château Talbot, situated in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its prestigious history and exceptional red wines. With origins tracing back to the 17th century, the estate's vineyards span approximately 107 hectares, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. Benefiting from gravelly and sandy soils, Château Talbot crafts wines that epitomize the elegance and complexity of Saint-Julien terroir. …
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Price: $163.45 USD
Stock: 4 in Stock
Cirò, 1985
Cantina Enotria
The Ciro has a pale ruby colour. Has an elegant bouquet in which they differ floral and fruity notes: rose, maraschino cherry, red fruit and hints of iodine on a rhubarb and sweet spices. The palate has a right to the body weight in balance and freshness, is intense and soft with a lingering fruity finish.
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Price: $62.08 USD
Stock: 2 in Stock
Ferreira, 1985
Ferreira Vintage Port
This Port is now beginning to reach its full maturity and is ready for drinking. As it ages further, it will begin to develop gently into a more tawny style Port. This Port should probably be drunk over the next few years although it is still showing remarkable balance and finesse.
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Price: $150.78 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock