1985 Fonseca

[djewesbury]

One of three bought from James Nicholson in Northern Ireland.

On the first night, two hours after decanting, quite tight and thin. Very nearly opaque, strong dark ruby. Leggy. Pears and alcohol on the nose, and oak. Little fruit. Smooth to taste, some heat. Sweet, spiced: cinnamon lozenges. Light: not as sticky and jammy as the colour might have suggested. Not a great deal of finish.

D+24: much more velvety and smooth with little or no heat. Alcohol far more integrated in the nose and in the mouth. More rounded, with a longer finish. Smoky and quite dry, with good tannins.

D+48: this has a smooth texture of fudge, with toffee notes on the nose. Notes of apricot and toffee to taste, a lovely long finish.

94.

[jdaw1]

F85, with a long decant, can be delicious.

One of three bought from James Nicholson in Northern Ireland.

Whose F85, at £96, is fully priced.

[djewesbury]

One of three bought from James Nicholson in Northern Ireland.

Whose F85, at £96, is fully priced.

That's a nice way of putting it. Their case of 6 is only £30 less than most dealers' case of 12. You live and learn. Or live, at any rate.