95g/l RS, 3.5g/l TA. Blackberries, chocolate, plums and spices. Lovely, lovely, lovely; such lithe and bright fruit character. (RH)

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A hard, take-no-prisoners Port, extremely powerful and still closed when last tasted. Deep inky color, with concentrated blackberry and raisin aromas, full-bodied, with massive raisin flavors, a superb backbone and a very long finish.

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Dark magenta color. On the nose there is a distinct creosote scent along with cocoa powder and cassis. Medium to full-bodied initially, this gained heft over several hours. It was definitely under-decanted as this needs 10-12 hours in my opinion. I know people who keep this open for a day or two before starting to drink it. Some alcohol was protruding and by the end of the evening this was really so much better. Dark cherry and red berry centric with a lush, smooth texture and it is showing lots of potential. Some bittersweet chocolate on the aftertaste and a super long finish. A rich & concentrated drink, but so young. Drink to 2050.

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Fonseca is one of the great port lodges, producing the most exotic and most complex port. If Fonseca lacks the sheer weight and power of a Taylor, Dow or Warre, or the opulent sweetness and intensity of a Graham, it excels in its magnificently complex, intense bouquet of plummy, cedary, spicy fruit and long, broad, expansive flavors. With its lush, seductive character, one might call it the Pomerol of Vintage ports. When it is young, it often loses out in blind tastings to the heavier, weightier, more tannic wines, but I always find myself upgrading my opinion of Fonseca after it has had 7-10 years of age. The 1985 looks to be one of the top successes of the vintage, yet I believe both the superb 1983 and the otherworldly 1977 are far superior. Dense ruby/purple with the Oriental spice-box aroma, the 1985 is an expansive, sweet, broadly flavored wine with outstanding depth, concentration, and balance. It finishes with a solid lashing of alcohol and tannin.

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Still lots of forward fruit with little tannin. Taste lingers. Will continue to drink well for many years.