First bottle. Much less deeply coloured than the Graham’s and also a little floral but more geranium than violet. Red-cherry fruit, lifted. Tannins are more silky and overall more elegant than the Graham’s but less richness. Second bottle is darker and denser. And more pure fruit. Tannns are firmer, much more upright and a much better framework. 17.5 points

The 1985 Taylor’s Vintage Port was one of my “go-to” Ports around 20 years ago, however, I suspect it has lost some of its initial vigor since then. It just lacks the gumption on the nose that I expected, yet it is still attractive with red berry fruit, clove and dried fig. It is rather muffled compared to say, the 1992 or 1994. The palate is lightly spiced, quite peppery on the entry, a fleshier take on Taylor’s although, this bottle suggests has lost some of its substance in recent years. Perfectly drinkable now but I would not cellar this as long as the aforementioned vintages. Tasted at the "Big Fortified Tasting" in London. 91 points