Vintage Port is one of the world's great classic wines and is produced in very limited quantities, from only the very finest 'declared' years.

The Vintage of 1985 was preceded by an exceptionally cold, wet Winter. Bud burst took place early in April and flowering around the end of May. The Summer was hot throughout and the harvest started on 26th September. By the close of harvest it was apparent that the year had produced Port wines of exceptional quality. With decades of aging potential, this Port will continue to evolve in the bottle, offering a rewarding experience for those who choose to cellar it.

The late entertainer and cartoonist Willy Rushton visited Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas in 1985 and drew his memorable sketches of the Taylor’s Vintage at Vargellas.

Taylor's is one of the first historic Port wine houses, having been established in 1692. A family company since its foundation, it has been dedicated exclusively to the production of high-quality Port wines, from the planting of the vine and harvesting the grapes for fermentation, ageing and bottling of the various styles of Port wine.

Taylor’s is mainly recognised as a benchmark for Vintage Port, its classic Vintages attracting the highest scores and auction prices. Made only in the very finest years – known as ‘declared’ vintages – Vintage Ports are blended from the best produce of the firm’s own estates of Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita and more recently, Quinta do Junco. 

The house was the creator of the modern LBV (Late Bottled Vintage), a style pioneered by Taylor’s in 1970 and it is the most sought-after brand of LBV. Taylor’s also pioneered the first Dry White Port with the launch of Chip Dry White Port, first blended in 1934. The House is also recognized as the most important producer of Aged Tawnies and has one of the most extensive reserves of cask aged Port wines.

Port Wine and cheese. The flavour profiles of both salty cheese and sweet Port, whilst strong enough to stand up to each other, fall on opposite ends of the taste spectrum, acting as complements, a little like a good marriage! Contrasting flavour is just one part of this wonderful experience, in some parts of the world, Port wine has been known to be served all the way through the meal.

The association of Vintage Port with a mature blue cheese such as Stilton is one of the great classic food and wine combinations. The soft buttery texture, mellow character and piquancy of the cheese are perfectly matched by the powerfully majestic flavours of the Vintage Port. Other blue, buttery, mellow and slighty piquant cheeses to consider would be: Cashel Blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Saint Agur Blue.

*please note wear to label