The 1985 Fonseca Vintage Port is a notable wine originating from the Douro region of Portugal. This red wine, produced by Fonseca, is a proprietary blend, and it has garnered attention from wine critics for its exceptional quality and longevity.

According to Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, the 1985 Fonseca Vintage Port is "still youthful in appearance with hardly any ageing on the rim." Neal Martin, the reviewer, describes the nose as offering "kirsch, sloes, and Christmas cake," with subtle notes of "dried fig and dates" that develop over time, adding to its complexity. The palate is described as "medium-bodied and beautifully balanced on the supple, rounded entry." Martin notes that while the palate might not be as complex as the aromatics, it features flavors of "dates and dried fig," with a "mellow and refined" finish. He characterizes the wine as "very elegant for a Fonseca," highlighting its weight and supreme focus. The review concludes that this Fonseca is "ready to drink now, but will age for another 30 or 40 years," suggesting a drinking window extending to at least 2030.

Wine Spectator also rates the 1985 Fonseca Vintage Port highly, giving it a score of 93. The review by JS describes the wine as "very dark and youthful ruby-purple" in color, with "very intense aromas of blackberry and black licorice." On the palate, it is "full-bodied and lightly sweet," with "chewy tannins and a rich licorice, blackberry undertone." JS acknowledges that the wine is "still tight" and advises that while it is drinkable now, it "needs a few more years" to reach its peak. The review was part of a blind Port retrospective featuring vintages from 1977, 1985, and 1997, with a recommendation to enjoy this wine "best after 2010."

In summary, the 1985 Fonseca Vintage Port is a well-regarded wine that showcases the potential for aging and the complexity typical of Fonseca’s offerings. Both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator provide excellent reviews, noting its elegant structure, complex aromatics, and the promise of further development with additional aging.