1985 vintages: Dow's, Warre's or Croft?

[David T.]

I wasn't sure if this should be posted in the Port Forum or in Port Basics. As I'm a noob in this forum I suppose that it is safer to stick with the Port Basics...

So this is the situation: On Tuesday I will be celebrating my parent's Silver Wedding anniversary with them. Today I figured that a bottle of 1985 vintage port would be an appropriate present. My stash is in Portugal, so I can't give them anything from my own cellar, but if I could find something in a local wine shop....

So a quick scan of the internet suggests that my best bet is Davy's in Greenwich (London, UK), which is just across the Thames from me. They are open on Sunday and have three 1985 vintages: Warre's, Dow's and Croft, all in the £40-50 range. I haven't tried any of these, and haven't found any conclusive tasting notes around which are better than others. My temptation is to go for the Warre's, but wanted to check if anyone here could help out with a recommendation. Any ideas? Would be very interested to hear your opinions. Thanks in advance!!!

[Eric Ifune]

I like the Dows. Warres second.

[Roy Hersh]

I agree with Eric, however the Warre's is slightly more approachable today. The Dow is great but requires 8 hours minimum for decanting. It is enormous, delicious and needs a LOT of aeration.

[Andy Velebil]

I agree with Roy, given the occasion I'd also go with the Warre's then Dow's second.

[Rune EG]

Hi David!

I have tasted all three during the last two years, and I will turn my comments around.
Stay away from the 1985 Croft, which is clearly the "weakest" of the three. Have had that product several times, and I am not impressed.

As for the two others, which are both very nice vintage ports, I also prefer Warre, although I am normally more into Dow than Warre. However, I have never decanted the Dow for 8 hrs like Roy suggested, so that could be a solution if you go for Dow.

Have a nice celebration!

[David T.]

All,

Many thanks for your help and advice. I just got back from Davy's with a bottle of Warre's 1985. There is snow on the ground in London today, and I was really worried that I might slip in the road and break the bottle when I walked home, but got back in one piece.

Looking forward to trying this - it will be my first ever bottle of vintage, and by all accounts it sounds like a good one. Thanks again.

[Roy Hersh]

David,

We're glad you made it home ok and with the bottle in 1 piece. Please do share your impressions with us of your '85 VP and how you enjoyed your first experience. I hope your bottle shows beautifully, but do make sure to give it at least four and if possible ... six hours in decanter.

Enjoy!

[Andy Velebil]

Please do let us know how you liked and I hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends.