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.
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.
Shop with Confidence
All of our premium wine gifts are available for fast, immediate delivery directly from our own cellars. With no minimum order required—buy just one bottle or as many as you like!
- Free UK standard delivery on all orders over £100
- Complimentary tasting notes and personalized gift messages—add yours at checkout
- Three-month replacement guarantee for complete peace of mind
- Choose from our exclusive range of luxury gift boxes
- Award-winning retailer: IWC Fortified Wine Merchant of the Year (2024, 2022, 2021)
- 5-Star Trusted Shops rating for exceptional customer satisfaction
40 products found.
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, …
more >>>
Price: £69.00
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. …
more >>>
Price: £99.00
Stock: 9 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
more >>>
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
more >>>
Price: £69.00
Stock: 2 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. 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. …
more >>>
Price: £385.00
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. …
more >>>
Price: £69.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
1985 Calem Vintage Port, 1985
Vintage Port In Wooden Presentation Box
Library Release
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. …
more >>>
Price: £99.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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. …
more >>>
Price: £92.45
Stock: Out of Stock
Barolo, 1985
Giordano, Piedmont
The 1985 Giordano Barolo from Piedmont is a classic, well-aged Nebbiolo that has developed deep complexity over time. Expect a mature bouquet of dried roses, tar, leather, and truffle, alongside notes of stewed cherries, tobacco, and earthy spices. The palate should be refined and silky, with softened tannins, bright acidity, and layers of dried red fruit, cedar, and balsamic undertones. A long, elegant finish underscores the wine’s remarkable aging potential.
more >>>
Price: £119.00
Stock: Out of Stock
Chateau La Gurgue, 1985
Margaux
Château La Gurgue, a notable estate in Bordeaux's Margaux appellation, has a history of producing wines that reflect the region's elegance and complexity. The 1985 vintage, characterized by favorable weather conditions, yielded wines with ripe fruit flavors and balanced structures.
Tasting Notes
A tasting note from 2010 for the 1985 Château La Gurgue describes the wine as having a gorgeous dark ruby color with great legs. The nose shows blackcurrants and oak, with a somewhat woody character. On the palate, the wine is full, fruity, flavorful, and soft, with a round mouthfeel.
Serving Suggestions
When serving a mature wine like the 1985 Château La Gurgue, …
more >>>
Price: £69.00
Stock: Out of 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.
more >>>
Price: £119.00
Stock: Out of 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.
more >>>
Price: £69.00
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. …
more >>>
Price: £149.00
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
more >>>
Price: £129.00
Stock: Out of Stock
Warre's Vintage Port, 1985
Vintage Port
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. …
more >>>
Price: £119.00
Stock: Out of Stock