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. 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:
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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44 products found.
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: 6 in Stock
Janneau, 1985
Armagnac 1985 Vintage
Includes Own Gift Box
The 1985 Janneau Armagnac is a distinguished and refined spirit that showcases the elegance and depth that comes with extended aging. Its rich, multi-layered profile makes for an exceptional gift, particularly for someone who appreciates fine spirits or has a special connection to the year 1985, such as a birthday, anniversary, or other significant event.
Tasting Notes
The nose features a complex bouquet of dried fruits, spices, vanilla, caramel, honey, oak, and smokiness. The palate is smooth and velvety, with primary flavors of dried apricots, raisins, and candied orange peel. …
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Price: £215.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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: 3 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: £69.00
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: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Kopke
40 Year Old White Port in Gift Box
37.5cl Bottle
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: Out of Stock
Chateau Branaire-Ducru, 1985
St Julien, 4th Growth Classification
Magnum Bottle
The 1985 Château Branaire-Ducru is a classic example of the elegance and balance that define the wines of Saint-Julien. This Fourth Growth estate has a long-standing reputation for producing refined and structured Bordeaux, and the 1985 vintage is a testament to its consistency. The year was marked by excellent growing conditions in Bordeaux, resulting in wines with rich fruit, soft tannins, and remarkable aging potential.
Upon release, the 1985 Branaire-Ducru displayed a medium garnet hue with slight browning at the edges, a sign of graceful maturation. The nose was inviting, offering aromas of ripe red cherries, currants, and spice notes such as cinnamon and clove. …
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Price: £249.00
Stock: Out of Stock
Chateau Branaire-Ducru, 1985
St Julien, 4th Growth Classification
Half Bottle
The 1985 Château Branaire-Ducru is a classic example of the elegance and balance that define the wines of Saint-Julien. This Fourth Growth estate has a long-standing reputation for producing refined and structured Bordeaux, and the 1985 vintage is a testament to its consistency. The year was marked by excellent growing conditions in Bordeaux, resulting in wines with rich fruit, soft tannins, and remarkable aging potential.
Upon release, the 1985 Branaire-Ducru displayed a medium garnet hue with slight browning at the edges, a sign of graceful maturation. The nose was inviting, offering aromas of ripe red cherries, currants, and spice notes such as cinnamon and clove. …
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Price: £59.95
Stock: Out of Stock
Chateau d'Angludet, 1985
Margaux Cru Bourgeois
The 1985 Château Angludet is a charming example of mature Margaux from one of the most graceful vintages of the 1980s. Owned by the Sichel family, Angludet has long been admired for its consistency and value, offering classic Médoc character with a refined Margaux touch. The 1985 vintage in particular benefited from an ideal growing season, producing wines of balance, warmth, and approachability that have aged gracefully.
Now nearing 40 years of age, this Angludet is fully mature, displaying a soft garnet hue with bricking at the rim. The nose is aromatic and nuanced, with notes of dried red berries, leather, tobacco leaf, and potpourri. …
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Price: £89.95
Stock: Out of Stock
Chateau Larmande, 1985
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
Château Larmande, a historic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate, has been producing wines since 1569. The 1985 vintage, now approaching four decades of maturity, offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of this esteemed estate's offerings.
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Tasting Notes
A tasting note from 2017 describes the 1985 Château Larmande as having a nose of red berries, leather, sweet spice, autumn leaves, and a hint of farmyard. On the palate, it presents as medium-bodied with soft tannins, featuring flavors of red fruits, leather, and earthy nuances, leading to a smooth finish. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: Out of Stock
Chateau Lynch Moussas, 1985
Pauillac 5th Growth Classification
Château Lynch-Moussas, a fifth-growth estate in Bordeaux's Pauillac appellation, has a storied history dating back to the 18th century. The 1985 vintage, known for its favorable growing conditions, produced wines with ripe fruit flavors and balanced structures.
Tasting notes from well-preserved bottles of the 1985 Château Lynch-Moussas reveal a wine that has developed complex tertiary characteristics over the decades. On the nose, there are subtle hints of funk, followed by notes of pepper, miso, leather, mushrooms, tobacco smoke, and hay. Unfortunately, the fruit presence is minimal, indicating that the wine may have surpassed its optimal drinking window. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: Out of Stock
Clos du Marquis, 1985
St Julien
1985 Clos du Marquis – A Rare & Elegant Saint-Julien
From the prestigious vineyards of Château Léoville Las Cases, the 1985 Clos du Marquis is a beautifully aged Bordeaux that showcases the finesse and complexity of Saint-Julien. Now at its peak, this vintage offers a rare opportunity to experience a mature Left Bank wine with exceptional depth and character.
Refined, Balanced, and Ready to Enjoy
With over four decades of careful aging, this wine displays a silky, well-integrated structure with layers of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and earthy truffle. The tannins have softened gracefully, making this a harmonious and elegant Bordeaux with a long, satisfying finish. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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: Out of Stock
Rioja, 1985
Añares Rioja – Bodegas Olarra
This 1985 Rioja offers a gently aged profile that showcases the charm of traditional Spanish winemaking. The nose reveals soft aromas of dried cherry, warm spice, and hints of leather and cedar, unfolding into subtle touches of tobacco and earthy sweetness.
On the palate, it’s smooth and mellow, with traces of stewed red fruit, faded oak, and a whisper of balsamic warmth. While fully mature, it still carries the graceful structure and savoury depth that Rioja lovers appreciate.
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Price: £30.00
Stock: Out of 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: £149.00
Stock: Out of Stock
Smith Woodhouse, 1985
Vintage Port
Orginal labels damaged - sold with white plain label
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: Out of 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. The wines are made from Chardonnay mainly from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne vineyards. …
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Price: £385.00
Stock: Out of Stock
Taylor Fladgate, 1985
Vintage Port
damaged labels
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: Out of Stock
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. …
more >>>
Price: £139.00
Stock: Out of Stock