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1985 Wine and Port Vintage

Vintage Summary and Recommendations: 1985-vintage-port
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. Any of these wines would make a fabulous 40 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.


Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:

  • Fonseca 1985 Vintage Port
  • Barolo Prandi 1985 Cantine Prandi
  • Bairrada 1985 Frei Joao
  • Barolo 1985 Giordano
  • Quinta Da Devesa 40 Year Old White Port, 50cl

  •  
    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: 1985-vintage-portThe 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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    26 products found.

    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: £89.95
    Stock: 20 in Stock

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    Quevedo

    40 Year Old Tawny port
    *** 94 Points - Wine Advocate ***
    *** 95 Points - Wine Enthusiast ***

    Presented in Quevedo gift box

    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: £119.00
    Stock: 20 in Stock

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    Quinta da Devesa

    40 year old Tawny Port in presentation box (75cl)
    *** 94 Points- Wine Advocate ***

    The Quinta da Devesa 40-Year-Old Tawny Port is a distinguished expression from the Douro Valley, reflecting the estate's dedication to traditional winemaking and sustainable viticulture. Crafted from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão, this tawny port is aged in oak casks for an average of 40 years, resulting in a complex and refined profile.

    In the glass, it exhibits a deep mahogany hue with amber reflections. The nose is rich and layered, offering aromas of dried fruits, honey, balsam, cloves, shaved ginger, fig, and marjoram.
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    Price: £89.95
    Stock: 27 in Stock

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    Quinta da Devesa

    40 year old White Port in presentation box (50cl)
    92 Points- Wine Advocate

    The Quinta da Devesa 40-Year-Old White Port is a rare and distinguished expression from the Douro Valley, showcasing the estate's dedication to traditional winemaking and sustainable viticulture. Crafted from a blend of indigenous white grape varieties, including Côdega de Larinho, Rabigato, and Malvasia Fina, this port is aged in oak casks for an average of 40 years, resulting in a complex and refined profile.

    In the glass, it exhibits a golden white colour with slightly greenish hues. The nose is rich and layered, offering aromas of orange, vanilla, wood, nut, and honey. On the palate, it is full and fresh, with notes of dried fruit, caramel, and spices, culminating in a long, sweet, and vanilla finish.
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    Price: £79.95
    Stock: 33 in Stock

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    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: £139.00
    Stock: 10 in Stock

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    Kopke

    40 Year Old Tawny Port
    Includes Kopke Wooden Gift Box
    Decanter 2021- Silver Award Winner

    This Kopke 40 Year Old Tawny Port is a beautifully balanced and richly complex wine, perfect for savouring on special occasions. Its intricate layers of flavours and aromas make it a delightful experience for the palate, showcasing the masterful aging process and the quality of the port.

    Tasting Notes
    Deep amber with mahogany highlights, indicating aging. Its aromas include dried fruits, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, roasted nuts, vanilla, and spices. The palate is smooth and luscious, with a pronounced sweetness and well-integrated acidity. The texture is velvety and full-bodied, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.
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    Price: £119.00
    Stock: 9 in Stock

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    Kopke, 1985

    Colheita Port
    Presented in Kopke Gift Box
    ***95 Points- GOLD Medal- IWC 2024***
    ***95 Points- GOLD - Decanter 2024***

    The 1985 Kopke Colheita Port is a cask aged port from a single vintage, known for its exceptional quality and complex flavour profile, reflecting the meticulous aging process it undergoes.

    Tasting notes
    Deep amber appearance and a complex flavour profile. Its aroma is rich and expressive, with dried fruits, caramel, toffee, honey, roasted nuts, and spices. The palate is smooth and velvety, with a well-rounded sweetness and a nuttiness. The finish is long, lingering, and luxurious, with flavours of dried fruits, caramel, and nuts persisting beautifully.

    Serving & Food Pairing:
    Colheita Ports are ready-to drink and do not require decanting.
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    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 32 in Stock

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    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: £89.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    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: £89.95
    Stock: 21 in Stock

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    Messias

    40 Year Old Tawny Port In gift Tube
    ***93 Points Mark Squires - Wine Advocate***

    A benchmark 40-year-old tawny from Caves Messias, this port is a showcase of expert ageing and blending. It strikes an exceptional balance between maturity and vibrancy, offering rich oxidative character without becoming overly woody or tired. Ideal for sipping slowly and savouring its nuanced depth, this is a connoisseur’s tawny with remarkable poise.

    Tasting Notes:
    Messias 40 Year Old Tawny Port is a deeply complex and elegant fortified wine, showing a brilliant amber-brown hue with golden reflections. The nose is intensely aromatic, offering layers of dried figs, toasted almonds, orange peel, vanilla, and aged oak.
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    Price: £89.95
    Stock: 38 in Stock

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    Quinta Das Carvalhas

    40 Year Old Tawny Port
    ** 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast **
    Special Offer | Save £20 | Was £119 | Now £99

    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: £99.00
    Stock: 27 in Stock

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    Churchill's Port, 1985

    Vintage Port

    The 1985 Churchill’s Vintage Port marks a significant milestone as one of the inaugural vintage releases from Churchill’s, a house founded in 1981 by Johnny Graham. Sourced from old vineyards in the Cima Corgo subregion of the Douro Valley, particularly from Quinta da Gricha, this port reflects the traditional craftsmanship and dedication to quality that Churchill’s is known for. The blend comprises classic grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Cão, contributing to its complexity and depth .

    In its youth, the 1985 Churchill’s Vintage Port was noted for its deep, opaque color and a nose that was initially reserved.
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    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 10 in Stock

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    Croft Port, 1985

    Vintage Port
    150cl- Magnum bottle

    Full and robust, this is a classic Croft style with sweet berry aromas. After many years slowly maturing in the cellar, it is now ready and drinking extremely well. Bottled in an impressive 1.5L magnum its size makes it ideal for sharing and perfect for marking 1985 anniversary celebrations, milestone birthdays, weddings, or as a prestigious gift for wine collectors. The magnum format not only enhances ageing but also elevates any occasion with its grand presentation.

    Tasting Notes:
    This vintage displays rich aromas of dried fruits,
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    Price: £149.00
    Stock: 36 in Stock

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    Dow's, 1985

    Vintage Port (Trafalgar Edition)

    The 1985 Dow’s Trafalgar Edition Vintage Port is a rare and distinctive release, created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Bottled and released in 2005, it uses the classic 1985 vintage but features special Trafalgar-themed packaging, including label artwork based on dramatic paintings by W.L. Wyllie R.A., depicting HMS Victory and HMS Temeraire engaged in battle. This edition not only marked a historical naval victory but also supported maritime charities, with Dow’s contributing a portion of proceeds from each case sold.

    The wine itself is drawn from one of the finest vintages of the late 20th century.
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    Price: £139.00
    Stock: 6 in Stock

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    Dow's, 1985

    Vintage Port

    The 1985 Dow’s Vintage Port is a standout from a highly successful declared vintage, offering classic structure, depth, and longevity. Dow’s is known for its drier, firmer house style—built more for endurance than immediate opulence—and in 1985, this translated into a wine of superb ageing potential and quiet power. Now with nearly 40 years in bottle, the 1985 Dow is maturing beautifully, combining layered fruit with savoury complexity.

    The nose is mature yet vigorous, opening with aromas of black plum, dried fig, and cassis, followed by notes of roasted coffee bean, cedar, tobacco leaf, and dark chocolate.
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    Price: £119.00
    Stock: 12 in Stock

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    Dow's, 1985

    Vintage Port
    Half Bottles 37.5cl

    The 1985 Dow’s Vintage Port, offered here in half-bottle format, is a structured and age-worthy expression from one of the most traditionally styled houses in the Douro. The 1985 vintage was widely declared and is considered one of the finest of the decade, producing Ports with firm tannins, deep fruit, and long-term potential. Dow, known for its dry, muscular style, produced a wine in 1985 that is both powerful and classically poised.

    Now approaching 40 years of age, the wine has entered an ideal stage of maturity, especially in half-bottle where development is slightly accelerated. The nose is elegant and savoury,
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    Price: £69.95
    Stock: 19 in Stock

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    Fonseca Port, 1985

    Vintage Port

    The 1985 Fonseca is a benchmark vintage Port from one of the Douro’s most esteemed producers. Widely regarded as one of the top Ports of the excellent 1985 vintage, it showcases Fonseca’s trademark richness, flamboyant fruit, and long ageing potential. Now nearing 40 years of age, the wine is in a glorious stage of maturity, offering both power and finesse in equal measure.

    On the nose, the wine is intensely aromatic, with layers of black cherry, fig, and plum compote, interwoven with dark chocolate, licorice, and exotic spice. Subtle notes of violets, cigar box, and walnut emerge with air, reflecting both its noble origin and extended bottle age.
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    Price: £129.00
    Stock: 12 in Stock

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    Graham's Port, 1985

    40 Year Old Tawny Port
    New Edition

    Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny. A truly remarkable wine cared for across generations. A great testament to the arts of blending, cooperage, and ageing. Aged for an average of 40 years in seasoned oak casks, our 40 Year Old Tawny is a testament to time and patience. Composed of wines put aside generations ago, this is an incredible wine with an amazingly long finish, indicating both its age and immense quality.

    Graham's 40 Years Old Tawny 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.
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    Price: £219.00
    Stock: 3 in Stock

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    Hooper's Port, 1985

    Vintage Port

    The 1985 Hooper's Vintage Port is a traditional fortified wine from Portugal's Douro Valley, produced by Richard Hooper & Sons. This vintage is recognized for its deep color and rich flavors, characteristic of ports from that era.

    Tasting notes describe the wine as having a medium purple-ruby hue with aromas of fresh raspberry and chocolate. On the palate, it offers full-bodied flavors with plenty of raspberry, silky medium tannins, and a fresh finish . Another review highlights its surprisingly opaque and purple appearance, tightly knit but compact structure, fine depth of fruit, and full body, though it seems to tail off in the finish .
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    Price: £89.00
    Stock: 7 in Stock

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    Hooper's Port, 1985

    Vintage Port
    Clerance | Mid-Upper Shoulder Level | Was £89 | Now £65

    The 1985 Hooper's Vintage Port is a traditional fortified wine from Portugal's Douro Valley, produced by Richard Hooper & Sons. This vintage is recognized for its deep color and rich flavors, characteristic of ports from that era.

    Tasting notes describe the wine as having a medium purple-ruby hue with aromas of fresh raspberry and chocolate. On the palate, it offers full-bodied flavors with plenty of raspberry, silky medium tannins, and a fresh finish . Another review highlights its surprisingly opaque and purple appearance, tightly knit but compact structure, fine depth of fruit, and full body, though it seems to tail off in the finish .
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    Price: £65.00
    Stock: 3 in Stock

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    Quinta do Noval, 1985

    Vintage Port

    A classic vintage from one of Portugal’s most revered estates, the 1985 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is rare and meaningful present for anyone born in or celebrating the year 1985. Crafted by a house renowned for its exceptional single quinta ports, this bottle delivers both pedigree and pleasure.

    Tasting Notes:
    Now at peak maturity, this port shows a rich garnet hue with an elegant nose of dried figs, plum compote, cedarwood, and subtle spices. The palate is beautifully evolved, with a velvety texture, dark chocolate and cherry liqueur flavours, and a long, warming finish. A true example of how well vintage port can age when made with skill and care.
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    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 6 in Stock

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    Smith Woodhouse, 1985

    Vintage Port
    Orginal labels damaged - sold with plain labels

    The 1985 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port is a distinguished example from a standout vintage year in the Douro Valley. Produced primarily from grapes grown at the estate's Quinta da Madalena vineyard in the Rio Torto Valley, this port reflects the house's commitment to traditional winemaking practices and the unique terroir of its vineyards.

    Visually, the wine presents an amber-ruby hue, indicative of its maturity. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of ripe strawberry, cinnamon, and subtle hints of pomegranate and warm spices. On the palate, it delivers a rich intensity with flavors of raspberry, cassis, and caramelized sugar, supported by fine-grained tannins that add structure and depth.
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    Price: £65.00
    Stock: 4 in Stock

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    Taylor Fladgate, 1985

    Vintage Port

    The 1985 Taylor’s Vintage Port is a superb expression of the house’s hallmark style—firm, structured, and capable of great longevity. While not quite as monumental as their legendary 1970 or 1994, the 1985 is a standout from this classic declared vintage, showing the balance and precision that Taylor’s is known for. Now approaching 40 years of age, it has entered a glorious period of maturity, offering power, poise, and aromatic complexity in equal measure.

    The nose is deep and captivating, with concentrated aromas of blackberry compote, cassis, and dark plum, layered with violet, spice, and graphite.
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    Price: £129.00
    Stock: 6 in Stock

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    Warre's Vintage Port, 1985

    Vintage Port
    New stock Arriving Shortly - Please allow 5 working days for delivery

    The Warre's 1985 Vintage Port is a distinguished offering from one of Portugal's oldest Port houses, renowned for producing wines of elegance and finesse. The 1985 vintage, declared by many producers, is celebrated for yielding Ports with rich fruit profiles and excellent aging potential.​

    In the glass, Warre's 1985 Vintage Port presents a deep ruby hue, indicative of its maturity. The nose is aromatic, offering complex aromas of ripe red and dark fruits with floral undertones. On the palate, it delivers flavors of black cherry and plums, complemented by silky tannins and a long, lingering finish.
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    Price: £119.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: £119.00
    Stock: Out of Stock

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