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.
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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.
Frei Joao, 1985
Frei Joao, Bairrada
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: 118 in Stock
Graham's Port
40 Year Old Tawny Port
Includes Presentation Tube
Graham's 40 Years Old is made from wines of the very highest quality which, following careful selection, are matured in seasoned oak casks of until their peak of maturity is reached. These are among the most demanding and challenging styles of Port to produce requiring great skill and years of experience from the winemaker and blender. It is essential to strike the correct balance between the delicacy and elegance which results from prolonged cask ageing while retaining the fruit quality which lends this old Tawny its structure and longevity.
Golden amber with a pale green tinge at the rim which denotes great quality and class. …
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Price: $188.79 USD
Stock: 9 in Stock
Montepulciano, 1985
d'Abruzzo, Miglianico
Montepulciano is a red wine grape variety grown widely in central Italy, most notably its eastern Abruzzo, Marche and Molise regions. The variety was named after the Tuscan parish of Montepulciano, but, confusingly, is not used in the famous wines produced there (see Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). Globally appreciated for their soft flavors, strong color and gentle tannins, Montepulciano wines are typically best consumed in their youth and with food. The deep-purple juice of Montepulciano grapes is used in varying proportions to produce wines under roughly 50 of Italy's DOC and DOCG titles. Although sometimes used on its own, …
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Price: $87.42 USD
Stock: 7 in Stock
Montepulciano, 1985
d'Abruzzo, Miglianico
Montepulciano is a red wine grape variety grown widely in central Italy, most notably its eastern Abruzzo, Marche and Molise regions. The variety was named after the Tuscan parish of Montepulciano, but, confusingly, is not used in the famous wines produced there (see Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). Globally appreciated for their soft flavors, strong color and gentle tannins, Montepulciano wines are typically best consumed in their youth and with food. The deep-purple juice of Montepulciano grapes is used in varying proportions to produce wines under roughly 50 of Italy's DOC and DOCG titles. Although sometimes used on its own, …
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Price: $62.08 USD
Stock: 11 in Stock
Nebbiolo, 1985
Prandi
The Nebbiolo has a lovely earthy bouquet. The nose has cherries, dark cherries, tar and slight dried rose notes. Complex and layered. Nice acidity. Medium tannins still present. Cherries on the palate too. Nice finish. Great food wine. Nebbiolo is a fickle grape famed as much for its pale appearance as for its tannic character and produces some of the most perfumed and richly flavored wines. Though generally only medium-bodied, the wines possess rose and anise scented aromatics and deep flavors of cherry, orange peel and subtle green herb tones.
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Price: $100.09 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Nebbiolo, 1985
Giordano
The Nebbiolo has a lovely earthy bouquet. The nose has cherries, dark cherries, tar and slight dried rose notes. Complex and layered. Nice acidity. Medium tannins still present. Cherries on the palate too. Nice finish. Great food wine. Nebbiolo is a fickle grape famed as much for its pale appearance as for its tannic character and produces some of the most perfumed and richly flavored wines. Though generally only medium-bodied, the wines possess rose and anise scented aromatics and deep flavors of cherry, orange peel and subtle green herb tones.
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Price: $100.09 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Nebbiolo D'Alba, 1985
Alfredo Prunotto - Riserva
The Nebbiolo has a lovely earthy bouquet. The nose has cherries, dark cherries, tar and slight dried rose notes. Complex and layered. Nice acidity. Medium tannins still present. Cherries on the palate too. Nice finish. Great food wine. Nebbiolo is a fickle grape famed as much for its pale appearance as for its tannic character and produces some of the most perfumed and richly flavored wines. Though generally only medium-bodied, the wines possess rose and anise scented aromatics and deep flavors of cherry, orange peel and subtle green herb tones.
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Price: $100.09 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Porto Feist, 1985
Vintage port
MAGNUM (1.5L)
Please note this is a Magnum Bottle (1.5 L)
The 1985 Porto Feist Vintage Port is a very nice mature Port wine. It has mature amber/tawny colour. On the nose there are some notes of red berries, coffee and hints of liquorice and ginger. The wine is full-bodied, sweet with notes of roasted coffee, caramel. Resolved tannins and a nice long elegant finish. Very good 90/100 VWP tasting.
This Port House was founded in London by two German cousins H. and C.J. Feist in 1836 and opened up in Oporto 1870. Carl Feist left the management in Porto to his son-in-law J.H. Speich in 1921. Barros took over the house in 1953 and was then bought by Sogevinus in 2006. …
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Price: $188.79 USD
Stock: 4 in Stock
Quinta do Noval, 1985
Vintage Port
The 1985 Quinta do Noval is light, elegant, and charming. The 1985 is quite concentrated having a cherry red colour. It is seductive, and amazingly delicious now that it is fully mature. Fresh, herby edge to the spicy nose.
Learn more about Quinta do Noval
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Price: $125.44 USD
Stock: 17 in Stock
Ramos Pinto, 1985
Vintage Port
A 1985 Ramos Pinto Port will be a real treat. Vintage ports from reputable producers like Ramos Pinto have aged beautifully, developing complex flavors and aromas over time. The 1985 vintage was generally good for port wine, and Ramos Pinto is known for its quality. A vintage like this could have deep, rich flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices, with a smooth and velvety texture. It's the kind of wine that's perfect for sipping and savoring on its own or pairing with rich desserts like chocolate cake or aged cheeses. Enjoy!
Drink: now-2040
About Ramos Pinto
Ramos Pinto is one of the oldest and most esteemed Port wine producers in Portugal's Douro Valley. …
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Price: $163.45 USD
Stock: 7 in Stock
Rioja, 1985
Bodegas Coral - Don Jacobo
Wine from Rioja (and Ribera del Duero), aged for at least two years in oak and three years in the bottle, made primarily from the Tempranillo grape. Light and red-brown in colour, with intense vanilla aromas and substantial earthy flavour notes. Significant acidity and medium alcohol.
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Price: $87.42 USD
Stock: 9 in Stock
Rioja, 1985
Remelluri Reserva, Rioja
In this wine from old vines on the Remelluri estate owned by Telmo Rodriguez & his sister Amaia, Tempranillo grape is blended with a little Graciano and Garnacha (Grenache); The wine from this vintage is still displaying lots of fruit. In addition the cooler climate has helped combine the earthy red fruit with spice and savouriness - and with amazing elegance. It's a complex Rioja Reserva and a refreshing acidity cuts through the richness making it very drinkable indeed.
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Price: $88.63 USD
Stock: 16 in Stock
Sandeman
40 Year Old Tawny Port
***95 Points- GOLD Winner- IWC 2024***
***95 Points- Gold - Decanter 2024***
Comes in Original Gift Tube
The Sandeman 40 Year Old Tawny Port is a luxurious and complex aged tawny port, known for its exceptional depth and sophistication. This port is the result of meticulous blending and extended aging in oak casks, which imparts rich flavours and a smooth, refined character.
Tasting Notes
Deep amber with golden and greenish highlights, indicating a long aging process. Its aroma is intricate, with notes of dried fruits, toasted nuts, caramel, honey, spice, vanilla, and oak. The palate is remarkably smooth, rich, and full-bodied, with a harmonious blend of dried fruits, toffee, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus. …
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Price: $188.79 USD
Stock: 10 in Stock
Schiava, 1985
Anton Lindner
This wine from the good 1985 vintage has a medium dark red violet colour. A slightly funky, beef nose with a tart red fruit. On the palate the wine is acidic with vegetal notes. Medium-short finish
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Price: $87.42 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Solopaca Rosso, 1985
Cantina Sco Solopaca
This wine from the good 1985 vintage has a medium dark red violet colour. A slightly funky, beef nose with a tart red fruit. On the palate the wine is acidic with vegetal notes. Medium-short finish
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Price: $87.42 USD
Stock: 2 in Stock
St. Magdalener, 1985
Weigert Falsenhof
St. Magdalena is an area covering the lower, south-facing slopes above Bozen-Bolzano. The “Kienaster” vineyard where this particular wine comes from is situated near the village of St. Pauls. It is made from the Vernatsch-Schiava grape and a very small proportion of Lagrein. The extremely favourable climatic conditions combined with very steep vineyards result in a dark ruby wine, finely scented, soft and velvety on the palate.
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Price: $100.09 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Valtellina, 1985
Fratelli Bettini
Valtellina is one of Italy’s most dramatic wine regions, located in Lombardy, the vineyards are located on steep mountains. The principal grape variety is Chiavennasca (the local name for Piedmont’s Nebbiolo and an Italian grape varietal that has been cultivated since medieval times here). The DOCG wines are generally comprised of at least 90% Chiavennasca and then blended with other quality local grapes like Brugnola, Rossola, Pignola. Then there is a DOC Valtellina Rosso (also called Rosso di Valtellina DOC) which requires at least 80% of the blend be Chiavennasca and does not have minimum ageing requirements. …
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Price: $87.42 USD
Stock: 8 in Stock
Warre's Vintage Port, 1985
Vintage Port
From the outstanding 1985 Vintage
Reviews: "Lovely orange skins nose, together with nuts and figs. On the palate, it has finesse, elegance and such a sweet kickback. Massively enchanting and, now it is over the magic 20 years, perfection to drink."
Serena Sutcliffe , Cuisine & Wine Asia 2008
Very very dark. Sweet, spicy, liquorice nose. Very broad start to the palate and then dried fruits on the finish. Lots of firm tannins still. Still relatively embryonic. Heat on the finish. Lovely spice on the finish. Not the most stereotypically feminine Warre style of wine. Powerful finish. Almost brawny with some wild fruit and flower flavours on the nose. …
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Price: $125.44 USD
Stock: 10 in Stock
Taittinger, 1985
Taittinger collection, Roy Lichtenstein edition
*** 93 Points - Parker ***
Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997) is a beloved New York artist best known for his vibrant Pop Art paintings and prints. These were inspired by comics and advertising, and often reproduce the familiar plot frames, dialogue bubbles and dot printing of comic books. The work most often parodies social norms. His iconic imagery is featured on the 1985 Collection Series bottle.
The Taittinger Collection Series bottles are released only in great vintages from a selection of the year's finest cuvées.
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Price: $487.80 USD
Stock: Out of Stock
Taylor Fladgate, 1985
Vintage Port
Bin Soiled Labels
"Typical for Taylor's. Notes of woodspice and pepper, very slightly spirity. Nevertheless, a delicious texture on entry, supple and stylish, although with a very firm weight, firm tannins and good acids. Again this is fine to drink now, although it still holds some potential now. Very good indeed, bordering on excellent. From a Port Styles tasting." 17.5+/20 (November 2007), Wine Doctor (online).
Learn more about Taylor’s
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Price: $163.45 USD
Stock: Out of Stock