This was from a bottle purchased in 2007 during a ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado and well stored since I purchased it. It was a little expensive, as you might imagine in a ski resort, but I had never encountered any Barros Vintages ... so I splurged.
Stood up 2 days ahead of decanting. Fill level was mid-neck with no signs of leaking. About 3/4 of the cork came out (I seem to have really terrible luck with corks) and I pushed the rest into the bottle. Filtered through a fine-mesh strainer. Very fruity aroma as I poured with a color best described as brick red, fading to a clear rim. There is no transition in color - it goes from brick red directly to a clear rim. Got a good, clean pour into the decanter and filtered the last couple of ounces into a glass. The first sip was a little muted, with hints of blackberries and a little more heat than I usually like. I put the rest of the glass and decanter away for the afternoon.
+ 6 hours: This is definitely ready to drink. Aromas of blackberry jam, now. The fruit is no longer muted: dominate flavors are blackberry, currant and a hint of molasses. The heat that I experienced in the morning has significantly diminished and the tannins (which I did not really notice in the morning) are smooth and silky. Mouthfeel is "medium" ... neither syrupy nor thin, and the finish is of medium length.
I had fairly low expectations from this bottle, and they were definitely exceeded. This is probably at its peak, now, so drink 'em if you got 'em.
Overall score: 91 points.
-- Gary
1985 Barros Vintage Port
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Gary Richardson
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Andy Velebil
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Re: 1985 Barros Vintage
Gary,
Good note on how this is drinking now and in the future. While Barros' VP's have gotten better recently, most of the older stuff from them have been like you describe...pleasant, but ready to drink. Of course their wood-aged Ports are another matter as that is what they are best known for.
Good note on how this is drinking now and in the future. While Barros' VP's have gotten better recently, most of the older stuff from them have been like you describe...pleasant, but ready to drink. Of course their wood-aged Ports are another matter as that is what they are best known for.
Andy Velebil Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used. William Shakespeare http://www.fortheloveofport.com
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Gary Richardson
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- Joined: Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:37 pm
- Location: Clarksville, Maryland, United States of America - USA
Re: 1985 Barros Vintage
Thanks, Andy.
This was the first (and so far, only) VP from Barros that I have ever tried. Based on this experience, I would certainly be open to others, especially the younger ones based on your comments. I have had a few of their Colheitas, though: 1975, 1983, 1994 ... and all have been good-to-excellent and with good QPRs.
-- Gary
This was the first (and so far, only) VP from Barros that I have ever tried. Based on this experience, I would certainly be open to others, especially the younger ones based on your comments. I have had a few of their Colheitas, though: 1975, 1983, 1994 ... and all have been good-to-excellent and with good QPRs.
-- Gary