1985 Quinta do Crasto vintage

[Bert VD]

I bought this port from an antiques shop (that has some other older wines) in Antwerp because i was curious and 1985 is my birth year.
Now recently i noticed some leakage so this had to be opened.

The cork looked OK from the top but was unusually soft in my opinion. It didn't come out in one piece but i don't care really as i filter vintage ports when i decant them. With the cork removed there was a bad smell but that quickly vanished.

My first tasting was about 3 hours after decanting and it was quite surprising. The wine is still quite dark but getting a bit more brownish red instead of a younger purple. No alcohol heat really. But still it tasted like something was out of balance, i don't know how to explain. It kept opening up for the rest of the evening and the red fruit taste became more present. Also cherry, tobacco, dried apricot and just the right amount of acidity with a long aftertaste. Today (second day) the wine is much more balanced and while it is fruity it is not just that. It is full and mature. I'm not sure if this will still improve but it's at a point now that makes me pretty happy. This is a great start of the year.

[Andy Velebil]

I’ve had a number of these and your note is spot on. It’s not the most complex
‘85 VP out there but a solid mature and enjoyable bottle now. I also don’t see this vintage getting any better. It’s not declining but rather on a nice plateau.