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On Tuesday 5th May 2015, the evening before The B.F.T., in the year of Fonseca’s 200^th Bicentenary, we gathered in the Boot & Flogger and tasted some Fonsecas.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1948 Fonseca (AHB);
• 1955 Fonseca (IDJ);
• 1958 Fonseca Guimaraens = † (THRA);
• 1960 Fonseca (IDJ);
• 1963 Fonseca (TC);
• 1966 Fonseca (IDJ);
• 1970 Fonseca (RLC);
• 1975 Fonseca (TC);
• 1977 Fonseca (PW);
• 1980 Fonseca (RLC);
• 1983 Fonseca (CPR);
• 1985 Fonseca single (DRL);
• 1985 Fonseca magnum (JDAW);
• 1992 Fonseca (MPM);
• 1994 Fonseca (CPR);
• Fonseca Waterloo (MPM);
• Fonseca Bicentenary Crusted (MPM);
• Food order;
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Planning and arrangements.

This thread is to hold the tasting notes for the 75cl single bottle of Fonseca 1985.

F85, single. Dark red, 90% opaque. Still closed, though showing dark plum. A fine Port needing more cellar time.

More developed in colour than the magnum shown alongside. A deep red with just a hint of maturity on the rim; opaque centre. On the nose this reveals a delicious and appetising depth of black fruit lined with green herbs. Complex and interesting, if slightly harsh. Surprisingly smooth on the palate on entry, youthful yet restrained. Slow to develop and show the powerful and concentrated dark fruit. This has great concentration and power. A touch of heat on the aftertaste before a long and lingering finish full of black chocolate and dark purple fruit. 94/100. Decanted 25 hours.