1985 Warre

[Glenn E.]

1985 Warre's Vintage Port
opened in honor of MKAW's virtual headwetting
a half bottle purchased from First Ave Wines & Spirits in NYC

The cork extracted very easily - too easily. The bottle had been a leaker at some point in the past, and also (very slightly) on the trip home from NYC. Luckily I had wrapped it in plastic just in case. The cork appeared to have been slightly shrunken, which may have been the cause of the leakage.

Immediately upon decanting, a gorgeous aroma filled the room. It reminded me very much of bananas foster, only made with raspberries and strawberries instead of bananas. The decanter also smelled of fermenting grapes, and there was some slight vegetable aroma as well.

In the glass it is a rich garnet. Not quite ruby. It is clear and bright, fading to pink and yellow near the rim.

Hot on the palate, but also smooth and luscious with a creamy overtone. Raspberry cream soda came to mind. There is a sharp alcoholic kick to start the finish, which rapidly transforms into stem and skin.

D+1 and D+2 both headed downhill, and really quite quickly. The alcohol showed up quite strongly on the nose and became more prominent in the mouth as well. The creamy overtone is still there in the mouth, but it's tough to get to because of the sharp alcoholic bite both before and after. Should have finished this bottle immediately.