Event: 1985 VPS AND AN ANCIENT MADEIRA

[Stewart T.]

1985 VPS AND AN ANCIENT MADEIRA - Seattle, Washington (1/22/2022)

• 1985 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Amber-purple in color with some subtle hints of brown. Just a touch of alcohol on the nose with some light chocolate, dark berries, and light note of vanilla. Smooth, well-integrated palate with black currant and a long, smooth finish. (93 pts.)
• 1985 J.W. Burmester Vintage Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Decanted 7.5 hours. Dark, amber-purple in color. First whiff was vanilla cake batter, giving way to brambleberries and some earthy, clay notes. Fresh, well-integrated approach with some red currant. Some light, tangy acidity on the mid-palate. Long, juicy finish with some lingering acidity. (94 pts.)
• 1985 Fonseca Vintage Port - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Intense, dark, opaque purple in color. Old dusty oak with some wonderful blackberry notes and just a touch of mocha on the nose. Extremely well-structured palate. Pronounced grape flavors with excellently balanced tannins and acidity on the finish. We agreed that this has a VERY low level of TCA, but in the end, it didn't affect the flavor profile in any noticeable way. (95 pts.)
• 1871 Cossart Gordon & Co. Solera Bual Madeira - Portugal, Madeira
  Really great nose of oiled teak and sweet, salted caramel. Very smooth and well-integrated. (94 pts.)