Fonseca Vintage 1985

Fonseca Vintage 1985

This port had a clear inky dark ruby colour. The appearance was matched with a moderately plummy and fruity nose which was still fresh after 30 years. Tasting revealed a pleasantly plummy and smooth port without a great deal of depth. The ageing had removed all the tannins to leave just a pleasantly fruity and sweet drink with a degree of spiciness that was reminiscent of a plum pie served with custard.

The lack of depth meant this was more akin to a typical single quinta vintage than a full bodied vintage from a really great harvest. However it was pleasant enough in its own right and in perfect condition for current drinking.

Quevedo 30 Year Old White Port

Quevedo 30 Year Old White Port

A golden brown colour was accompanied by a distinctly spicey and oakey nose. There was little sensation of fruit or sweetness in the taste as complex astringent oak and citrus flavours were very much in predominance. This made for a very special port experience that could only have developed in a wine made from white grapes; tawnies of this age usually have quite a significant body built on dried fruit flavours derived from the red berries. This is a port to be sipped and savoured at leisure to allow a full appreciation of its unique properties.